Many studies and research has pointed out the fact, that the end of the millennium leaves behind your old patterns of behavior and brings new situations, which is particularly reflected in the lives of children and youth. Experiential learning shows us a consistent and very effective approach to today’s children and young people in many efforts on how to find solutions to current social problems.
The fact that experiential learning has its benefits in the education was reiterated during a lecture by Thomas Lösche, teacher and head of the Center of Social Learning in Magdeburg (Germany). Dr. Lösche taught teachers of Lutheran Academy in Martin, students at the Bible School, and students of the Mission work with Children and Youth, which is established at University of Zilina.
Sweating is allowed
An unusual nickname “Chairs Gone” was given to Thomas Lösche during his long years of practice. This nickname is not accidental if you consider his lesson´s leadership. Most education under his leadership really does not take in the pews. Quite the contrary – you must move, jump, run and dance. And, especially, you should be ready to be properly sweated!
Experiential learning “extends the psycho-social needs of children and adolescents.” Children and youth learn a lot about themselves and about others, while also working on the development of their social or personality traits. They work on cooperation, memory, concentration, active listening or on their own skills.
Message of the game
“Every game conceals (is hidden) the message,” said Thomas Lösche to present teachers and students. He had adding that “every game is a part of the creative process” that God has set for in creation. Wisdom was in fact present at the creative activity of God. We read the Bible that wisdom was played in Him and joyfully assisting him in creation (Proverbs 8: 27-31). Creative process took place in the presence of wisdom. Therefore the creative process must also be a learning process – the wisdom´s acquisition.
How do we learn?
We are learning in the way of going out from our daily “comfort zone” in order to face new information, experiences and challenges. We are beginning to expand the comfort zone already as children, when exploring the first worlds. New challenges and discoveries await us in the “zone of courage”, which is the place where we receive challenges, where we learn and grow with.
The Bible calls us to the “courage zone”
According to Thomas Lösche “the courage zone is also a zone of the Bible.” “If we look at the lives of the prophets and disciples, or at Jesus himself, we see that the Bible is full of challenges.” The Bible calls us to stand out from the comfort zone and enter the courage zone! Likewise, the teacher has the task of inviting students from their own comfort zone into the world of experiential education – to the courage zone.
Therefore T. Lösche appreciated the establishment and effort of people (school leadership and teachers) in the Lutheran Academy in Martin as well as the help of CCE in common and long struggles. As a large positive aspect he points at the Lutheran Academy´s step ahead – primarily from the comfort zone with a clear vision – to enter into the uncertain waters of Christian education in Martin, Slovakia. A town deeply marked by the communist atheism.
Our hands are His hands
We are called to ask about the challenges as Christians. Lord God neither calls us on the couch he calls us to the world! This principle we have seen in our life, even in the learning process. “To LIVE means to dare to do something for God,” reminded Thomas Lösche. This is true in both the classroom and in the service of God and neighbor.
