Experiential learning capitalizes on action as the medium through which content is explored. It is our goal in each of Proctor's classes, whether on campus or off, that those 'ah ha!' moments occur on a daily basis, not simply because the material studied is interesting, but because its application is relevant.



A learning 'sandwich' occurs when we use action to create learning opportunities. That learning then inspires outward action with that new knowledge. Creating action from learning is an incredibly important part of each student's educational journey. We can see this process occurring on a daily basis when students like Denning promote, create, and edit a student publication. Similarly, classes, like Lynne Kenney's Social Activism course, provides students with the necessary tools to identify, understand, and then create awareness of injustice in the world.



Experiential programs like Project Period connect students to learning experiences outside of the classroom, allowing students to directly apply skills and knowledge they have gained in their academic pursuits at Proctor.



Thursday afternoon provided yet another opportunity for students to see learning in action when Biddle Duke (P'14) visited campus to share his thoughts on the national debt. Duke, who works primarily as a journalist, helped launch the "Fix the Debt" campaign this past summer along with a group of friends who felt compelled to educate the public on the state of America's national debt.



The nonpartisan petition to create awareness around the debt has since obtained more than 300,000 signatures and is center stage in Washington, DC. Duke shared his thoughts on this campaign to create awareness around this critical issue with Economics students, as well as some World History students who are studying the role of government in a society.



Duke's statistics around the debt were astounding, and it is our hope that each student that attended the session walked away with a better understanding of fiscal responsibility. However, perhaps most important is that students understand they can make a difference in the world around them when they use their skills, knowledge, and position in the world to take action. We do not teach so students can know more, we teach so students can become better equipped to engage as socially responsible citizens whose goal it is to affect positive change in their world.

Thank you to Biddle Duke for sharing his passion with us and for serving as a tremendous example for our students!