What is Experiential Education?
What is Experiential Education and why is it important to Mystic Whaler's Mission?
"Experiential education is a teaching philosophy that informs many methodologies in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop people's capacity to contribute to their communities."
Mystic Whaler's educational philosophy is based on the well-proven fact that practical application and hands-on experience deepen and strengthen one’s understanding, retention, and appreciation of newly learned concepts, information, and environments. The act of sailing and navigating a traditionally rigged tall ship, such as the Mystic Whaler, intrinsically offers applied learning in nautical skills and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) academic principles. The challenge of handling such a sizeable vessel is also the perfect medium for social and emotional learning. Everyone must step out of their comfort zones and practice effective communication, efficient organization, courage, and self-discipline. Detailed below is an overview of what happens during experiential learning/education (the text is from the Association for Experiential Education).
