Experiential Learning

 
Experiential learning refers to a style of learning that occurs when a person is interacting with the environment, including people, animals and situations involved. It is learning by doing. It promotes personal exploration of feelings and behaviors in an educational format. During experiential learning one tries out strategies, gets results and feedback, and then organizes the information into an action theory - the belief that desires or intention leads to a certain action. Students are evaluated and individual short term goals are identified. A lesson plan is established that is evaluated on a weekly basis. Each student's response to the lesson as well as progress toward their goals is evaluated on a weekly basis. Adjustments in their plan are made as needed. An example is the elementary school program: we use literature as a base for the session. Each lesson consists of four areas of focus:
  • Community - Example: A discussion about a group response to fear.
  • Horse - Example: Observe the behavior and reactions of horses in a group
  • Academic - Example: Define "Friend" & "Partner"/On a map identify the ship's course from India to Portugual. ( The Black Stallion)
  • Individual - Example: Identify a time when you were fearful. Identify a friend. Spend 5 minutes of quiet time with your horse.
Riverwood's experiential learning program is open to groups or individuals. Please phone the Riverwood office or e-mail us at rtrc@windstream.net for more information and fees for experiential learning.