Experiential Learning Philosophy
Tell me and I forget, Teach me and I remember, Involve me and I will learn. Benjamin Franklin, 1750
Experiential learning is a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with students in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify values. Experiential learning is also referred to as learning through action, learning by doing, learning through experience, and learning through discovery and exploration. Experiential Learning is a unique and valuable part of our program. Our CCSU early childhood education majors have the ability to learn skills and concepts in their classroom, observe best practices in a real-life environment conveniently located on campus, and practice teaching under the supervision of highly skilled and supportive mentors and cooperating teachers. This gives the student-teacher multiple opportunities to plan, teach, reflect and revise as needed, while honing their craft and increasing their experiences.
Early Childhood Learning Philosophy
At the CCSU Drop-In Child Care Center, we believe in high quality early childhood experiences that promote creative thinking and problem solving. Children have a natural desire to learn. Our highly trained teachers intentionally provide an atmosphere that is rich and warm with materials and opportunities for children to communicate, socialize, work, play, and negotiate with others. Our classrooms are designed to encourage curiosity, exploration and problem solving. Purposeful play is developmentally appropriate and a significant element of our program to enhance each child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Our students become actively engaged in experiences which include foundations of math, science, social studies, creative art, language arts, music, movement, and dramatic play. Teachers design structured and unstructured activities and provide opportunities for children to work independently and collaboratively. Activities, experiences, and teacher-child interactions focus on the development of a positive self-concept, respect for others, and continued growth and development in creative thinking, cognition, early literacy skills, independence, self-sufficiency, fine and gross motor skills.