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