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Programs: Experiential Education

The SSIS educational program is founded on the notion that the best teacher is experience, and that is why so much of what we do happens outside of the classroom as well as at our desks.

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Principles of Experiential Learning

The learner is a participant rather than a spectator in learning.

Experiential learning occurs when carefully chosen experiences support reflection, critical analysis, and synthesis.

Learning must have present as well as future relevance for learners and the society in which they will participate.

Throughout the experiential learning process, learners are actively engaged in posing questions, investigating, experimenting, being curious, solving problems, assuming responsibility, being creative, and constructing meaning.

Learners are engaged intellectually, emotionally, socially, and/or physically. This involvement helps produce a perception that the learning ask is authentic.

Individuals may experience success, failure, adventure, risk-taking, and uncertainty, since the outcomes of experience cannot be totally predictable.

Educators’ primary roles include: structuring appropriate experiences, posing problems, setting boundaries, supporting learners, insuring physical and emotional safety, and facilitating the learning process.

Educators must recognize and encourage spontaneous opportunities for learning.
The design of the learning experience includes the possibility to learn from natural consequences, mistakes, and / or successes.

Learners develop an in-depth understanding of what theory from reading or lectures might mean in actual practice.

The results of the learning are personal and form the basis for future experiences and learning.

Relationships are developed and nurtured: learner to self, learner to others, and learner to the world at large.

Educators strive to be aware of their biases, judgments, and pre-conceptions and how they influence the learner.

Individuals increase their awareness of how personal values and meanings influence their perceptions and choices of action.

Educators use a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of real-life problems.

Individuals have the opportunity to recognize how institutional, social and cultural factors may cause people to act in ways that contradict personal and professional intentions.

Testimonials from Parents of SSIS Students who have participated in Experiential Education

I just wanted to let all of you know how impressed we are with the changed young man we picked up from the ferry last night.To be honest I was concerned how Dylan would react to the trip as he has always been one to balk at physical challenge and would much rather stay in a hotel than camp!! However, sitting up last night until midnight hearing him tell of how challenging both physically and emotionally the experience was,yet with a smile on his face and a spark in his eye,which translate into pride in himself for meeting the challenge head on and coming out the other side with a greater sense of who he is and what he's capable of, as a parent, that is priceless and I now see the true value of experential education. You guys certainly seem to understand how much more can be learnt about self discovery outside of the classroom and you are to be commended for it.I would like to thank Derek and Heather for guiding them so skillfully and allowing them to experince it the way teenagers need to,complaining all the way and laughing all the way. You can be assured I will tell anyone who will listen what a fantastic,life changing trip this was for Dylan.Thank-you all who made it possible, Kirsten Nelson-Wilkinson.