• 04
  Nov 2025

• Once by the Seaside: A Reflection on Experiential Learning

  
  

  Dr. Dipika Das | International School

During a visit to the seaside one afternoon, I observed a young boy deeply engaged in gathering seashells along the shore. His parents stood a short distance away, quietly watching him without interruption. What struck me most was the boy’s complete absorption in his task — he was fully immersed in the process of exploration and discovery.

Initially, he began by collecting seashells of various sizes, carefully sorting them into small, medium, and large groups. After some time, he paused and reconsidered his approach, realizing that he could also classify them by type, color, or texture. His curiosity then extended beyond shells, as he began collecting small pebbles, comparing their shapes and surfaces.

Soon, his exploration took a creative turn. He started building a small sand house and gently placed his seashells inside, explaining that they needed a “shelter.” Encouraged by his success, he attempted to build a larger structure to cover his legs, and eventually one big enough to shelter his entire body. However, when the larger structure collapsed, he made an important discovery — sand alone cannot support a large, stable form. Undeterred, he decided to fetch some clay and experimented with mixing it into the sand, testing whether the combination could make the structure stronger.

This simple yet profound moment was a true example of experiential learning in action. The child was learning through curiosity, experimentation, and reflection — constructing knowledge through direct experience rather than instruction. His parents played a silent but significant role: they observed patiently, allowing him the space to explore, fail, and try again without interference.

This experience made me reflect deeply on our approach to education. Why don’t we offer children this kind of freedom more often — the freedom to learn through exploration and experimentation? When we allow learners to make discoveries on their own, we nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and resilience.

As educators, our role is not merely to teach but to create conditions where meaningful learning can emerge naturally. Learning through experience is not just effective — it is transformative. It engages the heart, hands, and mind, making knowledge deeply personal and lasting.

After all, learning by doing is truly learning for life.

• International Studies