Talking With '06ers

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing 3 alumni from the class of 2006 at Hawken School. I discussed with them their views on experiential learning, and where they think the value lies in this teaching method. It was very interesting hearing their ideas, reflections, and comments. Here are some takeaway quotes from the alumni I spoke with:

·        “When you're in Lower/Middle School, so much of your learning is really just people skills and social skills. I don't remember learning any academic skills of real value at any of these field trips, but I remember growing tremendously as a person- you're out of your element, largely independent, in a new environment, and it forces you to grow up to an extent. That's what sticks out to me the most for Lower/Middle School trips…When you're in High School, then I think you're old enough to benefit from experiential learning on an academic level. That's where shadowing people in different careers, seeing how classroom knowledge translates to the real world, etc. can be really valuable..”

·        “What’s the greatest benefit of experiential learning? Going outside the school building and learning what life is like outside the closed environment of Hawken.”