Experiential Learning
Experience Learning Center firmly believes in the experiential learning model, which empowers the student to take control of their own education. This type of learning helps students investigate their educational goals through relating their experience of the world to their studies. Our Montessori teachers help students learn by coaching them through real life situations and showing them the connection to their studies. These realizations eventually lead your child to discover subjects like math and science on their own. History is covered (uncovered) in such a way that the student can identify its importance in light of living in the modern world.
When students make their own discoveries, they are much more immersed and fascinated by the learning. Have you ever watched a student working on a project with which they have a personal interest? Do you notice how intent they are? We feel that letting your child discover their own path with adult support and coaching will bring that intensity and meaning to their education.
Every aspect of the Experience Learning Center program is designed with a purpose in mind, from how the curriculum is delivered to how teachers interact with the students. Much like Clayton Christensen said in his book Disrupting Class, teachers should serve as professional coaches that help students progress. Instead of being a 'sage on the stage,' our teachers are 'guides on the side' -- on the side of the student. Our Montessori credentialed teachers act as a guide, not as an authoritarian figure who pushes knowledge towards students for consumption. Our program supports students by designing a learning day which allows them large blocks of uninterrupted time for creativity to occur. This allows students plenty of time during the learning day to complete academic work, freeing them from homework. Students may continue doing academic work at home if they want, but only if they decide to do so. This makes homework, in the traditional sense, unnecessary and not expected.
Our program challenges students to 'go further.' We give them opportunities to learn self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, as well as sustainable living habits, and to provide community service. Once students enter middle school they are ready to pursue a variety of business and outreach internships if desired. We get great satisfaction from helping students find and identify their areas of interest while encouraging students to step outside their comfort zone. In the end, all this helps connect them to their parents, fellow peers and the community at large.
Please visit our Google Docs Folder for more information on the ELC Code of Ethics. (Click on the blue lettering.)
When students make their own discoveries, they are much more immersed and fascinated by the learning. Have you ever watched a student working on a project with which they have a personal interest? Do you notice how intent they are? We feel that letting your child discover their own path with adult support and coaching will bring that intensity and meaning to their education.
Every aspect of the Experience Learning Center program is designed with a purpose in mind, from how the curriculum is delivered to how teachers interact with the students. Much like Clayton Christensen said in his book Disrupting Class, teachers should serve as professional coaches that help students progress. Instead of being a 'sage on the stage,' our teachers are 'guides on the side' -- on the side of the student. Our Montessori credentialed teachers act as a guide, not as an authoritarian figure who pushes knowledge towards students for consumption. Our program supports students by designing a learning day which allows them large blocks of uninterrupted time for creativity to occur. This allows students plenty of time during the learning day to complete academic work, freeing them from homework. Students may continue doing academic work at home if they want, but only if they decide to do so. This makes homework, in the traditional sense, unnecessary and not expected.
Our program challenges students to 'go further.' We give them opportunities to learn self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, as well as sustainable living habits, and to provide community service. Once students enter middle school they are ready to pursue a variety of business and outreach internships if desired. We get great satisfaction from helping students find and identify their areas of interest while encouraging students to step outside their comfort zone. In the end, all this helps connect them to their parents, fellow peers and the community at large.
Please visit our Google Docs Folder for more information on the ELC Code of Ethics. (Click on the blue lettering.)
"Success is not measured by what you do compared to what others do, it is measured by what you do with the ability God gave you." - Zig Ziglar