Every aspect of the Experience Learning Center program is designed with a purpose in mind, from how the curriculum is delivered to how teachers interact with the students. Much like Clayton Christensen said in his book Disrupting Class, teachers should serve as professional coaches that help students progress. Instead of being a 'sage on the stage,' our teachers are 'guides on the side' -- on the
side of the student. Our teachers act as a guide, not as an authoritarian figure who crams knowledge towards students for consumption. Our program supports students by designing a learning day which allows them large blocks of uninterrupted time for creativity to occur. This allows students plenty of time during the learning day to complete academic work, freeing them from homework. Students may continue doing academic work at home if they want, but only if they decide to do so. This makes homework, in the traditional sense, unnecessary and not expected. Our program not only provides students with an individualized curriculum based upon their interests and personal goals but also challenges students to 'go further.' We give them opportunities to learn self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, as well as sustainable living habits, and to provide community service. We can help arrange a variety of business and outreach internships. We get great satisfaction from helping students find and identify their areas of interest while encouraging students to step outside their comfort zone. In the end, all this helps connect them to their parents, fellow peers and the community at large.
