Creating transformative
experiential learning
opportunities for students
We believe in the transformative power of experiential learning, and it forms the foundation of all Infuse’s educational travel programs. Experiential learning is not just a form of pedagogy for us; it’s the secret sauce in promoting active citizenship with all the young people who participate in our programs.
WHAT IS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING?
Experiential learning is an educational approach that emphasises learning through direct experience. Rather than relying solely on traditional classroom instruction methods, experiential learning immerses students in different environments to engage in active learning through hands-on activities, reflection, and the application of knowledge within real-world contexts.
This approach is rooted in the idea that individuals learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process and can apply their knowledge in practical situations.
One of the central principles of experiential learning is Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle. This cycle consists of four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation, and active experimentation.
Learners begin by engaging in a concrete experience, such as a hands-on activity or simulation. They then reflect on their experience, considering what they learned and how it relates to their existing knowledge. Next, they conceptualise their observations and experiences, drawing connections and forming new ideas. Finally, they test their new understanding through active experimentation, which leads back into further concrete experiences, continuing the learning cycle.
David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle
Infuse offers extensive experiential learning activities via our travel programs for schools – focusing on outdoor education, service learning and cultural immersion. Through a range of reflective activities, our program leaders guide students through the four stages of the experiential learning cycle mentioned above, encouraging them to further test new understandings through hands-on learning.
Once students return home, they have access to a suite of post-program learning activities designed to ensure that the cycle continues long into the future.
Benefits of
experimental learning
Industry research shows us time and time again that school students benefit from access to diverse and enriching experiential learning opportunities. Some of the benefits include:
Social and emotional learning
Infuse believes that addressing leading global challenges such as worsening inequality, climate change and environmental decline requires values-based leaders and institutions. People need to care about each other and the planet, and have the knowledge, skills, relationships, and resources to bring about change.
Across our educational travel programs, we seek to foster the following 10 core social and emotional learning (SEL) themes:
Compassion
Demonstration of kindness toward others and for the planet and a desire to alleviate suffering. Recognition of the innate value of all people, plants and animals, and the ability to value diverse perspectives and to show deep respect for the feelings, thoughts, and experience of others.
Connection
A relational outlook that identifies and values the interdependencies within societies, as well as between people and nature. A deep respect for the intrinsic value of all, and a desire to work in partnership to bring about positive change.
Critical Thinking
Understanding of how power, inequality and injustice shape the world. To have knowledge of global issues and the ability to connect local stories, struggles, and successes to larger structural and systemic issues facing the world. While critical thinking is generally considered an outcome of socio-emotional learning (rather than an attribute), we include it as a core theme because of its centrality to our overarching focus on cGCE, ESD and active citizenship.
Curiosity and Open-Mindedness
An eagerness and curiosity to learn, travel, and seek out adventure. A respect for difference and appreciation of diversity, and a willingness for new experiences and ideas.
Intercultural Competency
The desire and ability to behave and communicate effectively within and across cultures, to view issues from other cultural perspectives, and to collaborate and engage in decision-making processes with diverse groups.
Leadership and Resilience
The determination to persevere through challenges and setbacks. The ability to think and act for oneself and on behalf of others; to take responsibility for and stand behind one’s beliefs and actions, and to take calculated risks.
Lifelong Learning and Growth Mindset
A passion for learning and a belief that intelligence and abilities are malleable and can be developed with effort. The ability to assess one’s own strengths and weaknesses, and to analyse where and how to improve.
Open-mindedness
An eagerness and curiosity to learn, respect for difference and appreciation of diversity, and a willingness for new experiences and ideas.
Reflexivity
The ability to think critically about one’s place in the world and the consequences of one’s actions, as well as how social and cultural norms have shaped one’s perceptions. The ability to reflect on and re-evaluate previous opinions or decisions, and the desire to use an understanding of self to better relate to and communicate with others.
Teamwork
Enthusiasm for acting collaboratively and striving for the collective good. The ability to manage and resolve conflict.
Educational cornerstones
Theory of Change
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We can support your school travel goals.
