Welcome Judges

Experiential Projects: Engaging Language Learning through Community and Creativity

Nomination Description

At Experiential Projects, we believe that language learning should be meaningful, immersive, and deeply connected to students’ real-world experiences. Our program, based on experiential learning principles, integrates community engagement, cultural heritage, and collaborative projects to transform English language learning into an active and creative process. Through hands-on activities, students develop linguistic skills while exploring their local heritage, interacting with experts, and sharing their findings with a wider audience.

One of the most impactful projects we have implemented focuses on the Kea Underwater Historic Park, an area rich in maritime history. Students of B2-level at the Soza Mouzaki Foreign Language School researched and presented findings on famous shipwrecks, including the Britannic. They worked in groups, conducted interviews with local experts such as Mr. Tzavelakos from Kea Divers, and documented their learning journey in a blog: https://experientialprojects.blogspot.com/. Their work culminated in a public presentation, strengthening their communication skills while actively engaging with their own cultural heritage.

This initiative exemplifies Community and Collaboration in education. Students did not just learn English through textbooks; they became researchers  and ambassadors of their island’s history. The project fostered collaboration not only among students but also with parents, locals, and professionals in marine archaeology. By working in teams, they enhanced their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, all while using English as a tool for inquiry and presentation. Additionally, the involvement of the local community enriched the project, making language learning a shared experience that extended beyond the classroom.

Beyond historical research, Experiential Projects also highlights Creativity in Language Teaching. Traditional methods often separate language learning from students’ personal interests and environments. Our approach integrates research,  presentations, and interactive tasks that require students to use English in authentic contexts. As part of their research, students visited Kea Divers, where they observed firsthand the specialized equipment used by divers to explore shipwrecks. They also had the  opportunity to touch objects retrieved from the shipwrecks.

In addition to hands-on experiences, students developed critical research skills. They learned how to identify reliable sources and followed structured research steps to conduct their investigations. Working in pairs and small groups, they were assigned specific aspects of the project, fostering collaboration, responsibility, and deeper engagement. These creative and inquiry-based activities transformed language learning into an active, immersive, and student-driven process, reinforcing their ability to communicate effectively in English while exploring their cultural heritage.

A key component of the program’s success is its adaptability. The experiential approach can be applied to any topic, encouraging students to explore themes that matter to them. Whether investigating history, environmental issues, or local traditions, students develop essential linguistic and intercultural competencies in a dynamic way. The projects do not only improve their grammar and vocabulary but also foster confidence, motivation, and a lifelong curiosity for learning.

The impact of Experiential Projects is evident in students’ enthusiasm and active participation. By turning language learning into a collaborative and creative endeavor, the program demonstrates that English is not just a subject but a bridge connecting students with the “stories” of their area. We aim to inspire educators to rethink language teaching as an experience that extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to become engaged learners and active members of their communities.