Learning by Experience in a Standardized Testing Culture

Abstract

Standardized testing pressure sometimes discourages schools from broadly implementing experiential learning opportunities. However, some K-12 schools are challenging the trend with greater commitment to learning by experience. STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, mathematics) school is a project-based program providing students with opportunities to connect content with authentic experiences at the middle school level. Using a convergent-parallel mixed methods design, researchers investigated the program and discovered (a) students in the experiential program perceived school as more enjoyable, (b) learning to successfully collaborate was a key factor leading to positive experiences for students, (c) students showed evidence of noncognitive skill growth, and (d) students in the experiential program progressed appropriately on standardized tests and did not differ significantly from their counterparts in traditional classes.