What is Experiential Education?

"Experiential education is a teaching philosophy that informs many methodologies in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop people's capacity to contribute to their communities."



Mystic Whaler's educational philosophy rests on the well-proven fact that practical application and a lived experience deepen and strengthen one’s understanding, retention, and appreciation of newly learned concepts, information, and environments. The acts of sailing and navigating a traditionally rigged tall ship such as Mystic Whaler intrinsically offer applied learning of nautical skills and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) academic principles. The challenge of handling such a sizeable vessel is also the perfect medium for social and emotional learning. Everyone must step out of their comfort zones and practice effective communication, efficient organization, courage, and self-discipline. Detailed below is what happens during experiential learning/education (the text is from the Association for Experiential Education).