Learning by Doing and Trying

By Mary Golden Hughes

“One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it you have no certainty, until you try.” -Sophocles

Each April EMS students and faculty in grades 6-12 expand their education beyond the classroom walls through unique experiential learning experiences that enable students to learn by doing and by trying new things.

Middle school students participate in a grade level specific “Explore Week” based on a theme and planned course of study. Travel is incorporated incrementally into the middle school experience, culminating with the 8th grade class trip to Philadelphia. High school “E-Term” courses enable students to learn a new skill, interact with another culture, participate in service learning, or explore experientially-focused academic learning alongside high school faculty leaders. High school students also keep a journal of their week and earn academic credit for participation.

Working, learning, and in some cases, living side by side one another during Explore Week and E-Term are powerful opportunities for EMS students and faculty to bond over a common goal, challenge themselves with new experiences, and become engaged in learning in new and unique ways. Please take a moment to peruse the breadth of opportunity in our Experiential Learning program through this issue, or better yet ask an EMS student in person what they’ve learned by doing and trying.

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