Learning in the Afterschool Environment

Opportunities to provide youth with personally meaningful experiences

Youth-Centered Approach

Accommodate a wide range of development and abilities

Appeal to broader interests

Appreciate their social and cultural backgrounds

What Matters Most to Youth

Sense of Belonging– Acceptance in social situations– Feelings of valuable contributions

Sense of Control– Influence in their own lives– Impact on surrounding people and environments

Sense of Self– Identity– Self-concept, Self-esteem

Successful Learning Experiences

Allow for choice

Encourage youth direction

Foster cooperative learning

Offer constructive feedback

Unique Opportunities for Learning

Additional time due to school schedules

Physical space possibilities

Interacting with their community– Field trips to explore– Bringing in meaningful individuals

Shared experiences with families– Learning together at the program– Lessons that translate to the home setting

Experiential Learning Model