There is an intimate and necessary relation between the process of actual experience and education. ~ John Dewey, 1938

Unlike traditional classroom situations where students may compete with one another or remain uninvolved or unmotivated and where the instruction is highly structured, students in experiential learning situations cooperate and learn from one another in a more semi-structured approach. We design Instruction to engage students in direct experiences which are tied to real world problems and situations in which our teacher facilitates rather than directs student progress.

Experiential learning occurs when carefully chosen experiences are supported by reflection, critical analysis and synthesis. At DPSK, we structure experiences that require the student to take initiative, make decisions and be accountable for results. Throughout the experiential learning process, the student is actively engaged in posing questions, investigating, experimenting, being curious, solving problems, assuming responsibility, being creative and constructing meaning.

Through Experiential Learning, we engage our students intellectually, emotionally, socially, soulfully and/or physically.