An out of class experience has the potential to unite manual and intellectual work, showing them to be complementary components on the path toward a “civilized existence.” There is no more complete lesson than those that can be found in camping, service projects, urban and farm studies. Here students reinforce their content material with its practical application while continuing to develop their skills as part of humanity. Students develop feelings of empathy and understanding, altruism, community, independence, and interdependence. The fragile state of an adolescent is nurtured and supported while the student continues to gain the skills and confidence of adulthood.
Out of class trips meet a lot of the developmental needs and characteristics of adolescents. In this stage of development, students are marked by self-doubt, sensitivity, creativity, and a developing social consciousness. They need opportunities to test themselves through active participation and contributions to society, they need creative outlets, and they need opportunities for self discovery. Out of class trips permit students to learn from first hand experiences in the world. Adolescents need to be a part of real world experiences where a practical application of lessons can support a greater depth of understanding.
This explination has been added to the glossary of terms at the bottom of this page.
3 comments:
It is not like a regular field trip traditional schools take. There is a purpose behind these excursions, and yes, it is to bond the students and staff together. I really noticed it last year after the Goose Creek trip. Patty and Patrick had only been with all those students about 2 weeks when they went away. After coming back, I saw a different relationship between the kids and them, very trusting.
Thank you for posting this.
Steve Jones
Leeann, What is the source of the posted information? Thanks. EO
Mr. Velde submitted this.
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