Hidden Villa’s Educational Approach

Engagement Through Agency

Our programs empower students to take charge of their learning journey and engage them in a continuous cycle of exploration, conceptualization, application, and reflection. This cycle ensures that students actively participate in their learning, continually building and refining their understanding of the world around them. We foster curiosity by encouraging students to ask questions and seek solutions. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking skills while exploring real-world environmental challenges. The role of educators in this process is to serve as guides on the side, supporting students’ self-directed learning. This approach allows students to learn through discovery, fostering a sense of ownership over their education. Engaging with the outdoors should come from a place of empowerment. By participating in outdoor activities, students not only learn about the environment but also gain confidence and agency in their interactions with it.

Reciprocity

Many of our educational goals focus on the interconnectedness between humans and the environment. We emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting local ecosystems and communities, and place-based learning deepens students’ connection to their surroundings and fosters a sense of stewardship. Our programs help students understand that all life forms and natural processes are interconnected, and this understanding promotes a sense of responsibility for preserving balances and restoring relationships. In general, the Education Department models and encourages students to adopt a regenerative mindset, where their interactions with the environment contribute positively to its health and resilience. This contrasts with an extractive mindset that depletes natural resources.

Inclusion

The Educational Department recognizes and emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive and diverse learning environments. We value the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students and work to incorporate various perspectives, knowledge, and practices into our curriculum. This approach ensures that all students can relate to and engage with the content. Also in recognizing that students come with unique experiences and knowledge, we meet them at their individual starting points. This ensures that learning is accessible and relevant to all.

 

Reflection: How is this educational approach similar to or different from how you were taught? What resources might you be able to leverage to embody this approach in working with students at Hidden Villa?