Classroom Life (Experiential Learning)

The Classroom of Life - Themes (PDF)

THE CLASSROOM OF LIFE is the effective use of life experiences for learning and change. When we move outside of conventional learning environments and use the world as a classroom our learning is both real and practical bringing not just knowledge but change within. We learn and grow and interact with one another "as we walk along the road".

Classroom of life learning allows one to evaluate personal values as well as exploring knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Instead of telling people what to think we want to teach them how to think and from what basis do we make personal choices. When working with young people we need to create a safe and engaging atmosphere to engage all parts of what makes a person a person (the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual). Classroom of Life learning is experiential learning with a real twist.

Digging In

Learning that occurs in the midst of such real life situations are the basis of MENTORING AND VALUES INSTRUCTION that cultivates maturity in young people. By moving outside of conventional learning environments, the teacher can use the world as the classroom. People of many faiths would agree that Jesus Christ was an effective teacher and mentor. He was the major force in changing the worldview of a group of followers and then in turn caused a major shift in the shape of major cultures of the time - Jewish, Greek, and Roman.

Jesus used the "classroom of life" to teach. He taught by capturing teachable moments that arose inthe midst of life, modeling lifestyle choices, mentoring His disciples, allowing His disciples to discover truth and how to live, and giving them opportunities to test new ideas by doing. He ensured that what was being taught made sense and "became part of the life of the learner". This is where real learning happens. Young people learn best in the midst of everyday life and being aware of what they are absorbing or not.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-8. In other words of the Bible, consider the operative words "upon your hearts" and "impress" and also consider the instruction to "talk as you sit and walk, lie down and get up" - would you agree that this was an effective stage for learning?

Elements of "classroom of life" experience:

Occurs in the context of a group
1. Forces us to face our view of ourselves.
2. Some young people will stay dormant until drawn out.
3. Develop understanding of working in unity with others.

Away from controlled environment
1. Can't hide behind mask of security; real self comes out.
2. Issues arise which enable young people to gain self-control and discipline.

Opportunity to practice ideas
1. Experience transforms information into personal knowledge (doing true belief).
2. Experience link between actions and consequences.

Move out of comfort zones
1. Away from the familiar - see work in new ways.
2. Challenge to examine personal beliefs, actions, and culture bias.
3. Progression of challenge.
   - Exposure to situations within own culture but out of comfort zone.
   - Cross-cultural exposure - differences in belief systems, living situations.
   - Multicultural experiences - submerged in other cultures, languages.

Encourage exploration and creative thinking
1. Permission to make mistakes
2. Let them make decisions; need to feel the weight/consequences of decisions.
3. Explore different possibilities to find solutions.

The Result of the "Classroom of Life"

The following are results of teaching in the "Classroom of Life".

• There is a challenge of values, convictions, stereotypes and fears by being exposed to uncomfortable and unpredictable environments that involves giving up one's rights, letting go of ego; and by challenging beliefs so that inconsistencies are exposed in thinking and action.
• The participants have broadening of personal vision and burden by learning to take responsibility for themselves and others. This encourages ownership and "caring".
• The person develops their worldview (with some basis of spirituality) as he/she discovers and discards cultural biases, prejudices, and fallacies. They develop and identity outside of the familiar or the status quo.
• If participants possess a Christian Spirituality hopefully they would develop a desire to love people as they begin to feel God's heart for other people. The contact with people  and other cultures helps them to grasp God's heart for the peoples of the earth.