Discovering the Fun of Learning Through Real-Life Experiences by Kendrick

Discovering the Fun of Learning Through Real-Life Experiences by Kendrick - September 2024 Scholarship Essay

When it comes to learning, most people think of sitting in a classroom, taking notes, and reading textbooks. But there are other, more exciting ways to learn that don’t involve traditional methods. One of my favorite non-traditional ways to learn is through hands-on experiences, often called experiential learning. This type of learning is all about diving into real-world activities and figuring things out by doing them, rather than just reading about them. Right now, I’m putting this method to the test with a community project that’s teaching me a lot more than school ever could.

Experiential learning is different because it’s not just about listening to a teacher or memorizing facts. Instead, it’s about getting involved and learning through doing. For example, I’m working on a local project that focuses on environmental issues like recycling and reducing waste. This project has been an eye-opener. I’ve learned about environmental science and how to organize and manage a project just by jumping in and getting my hands dirty.

Working on this project has been a blast. I’m not just sitting in a classroom or reading from a textbook. Instead, I’m out there, talking to local groups, researching ways to improve our recycling program, and even helping to set up new initiatives. This kind of learning is way more exciting and memorable. I can see the results of my work and understand how it makes a difference in the community.

One of the coolest things about experiential learning is that it lets me steer my own learning journey. In a typical classroom, the teacher decides what we learn and when. But with experiential learning, I get to pick what interests me and go after it. I set my own goals and find ways to achieve them, which makes the whole process feel more personal and fun.

Reflecting on what I’ve learned is another big part of this method. After working on different parts of the project, I take some time to think about what went well and what didn’t. This reflection helps me figure out what I can do better next time and boosts my problem-solving skills. It’s a great way to learn from my mistakes and successes.

In short, experiential learning is a super enjoyable way to learn that goes beyond traditional methods. By jumping into real-life projects and activities, I’ve gained practical knowledge and skills that I wouldn’t have picked up from textbooks alone. It makes learning more engaging and meaningful, and I’m excited to see where this approach will take me next.