The Power of Real-World Learning

Giving students real-world learning experiences is one of the best ways to prepare them for life beyond the classroom. Whether through hands-on projects, workplace learning, or industry partnerships, these opportunities help students build essential skills that will serve them now and into the future. 

Research shows that students who engage in active learning, which includes real-world experiences, perform better academically. By engaging in practical learning, students develop problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and confidence in unfamiliar situations. These experiences help students gain a clear understanding of their strengths and interests, aiding them in making informed choices about future careers - whether in a trade, a profession, or entrepreneurship. With Australia’s job market evolving, the demand for both skilled tradespeople and knowledge-based professionals remains strong. 

Beyond employment, real-world learning fosters independence, resilience, and adaptability - qualities that benefit students in every aspect of life. It strengthens their ability to collaborate, think critically, and navigate challenges, ensuring they are not just work-ready but life-ready too.  

When schools integrate real-world experiences into education, they help shape capable, well-rounded young adults who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the workforce. Investing in these opportunities today ensures a future generation that is confident, capable, and ready to thrive. 

If you believe real-world learning is the right approach for your child, Impact Community ACADEMY may be the right fit for them. Please view our enrolment process here: Enrolment Process - Impact Community ACADEMY 

You can make referrals by selecting the appropriate link: 'Self-referral' or 'School and agency referral'. 

If you’d like to learn more about real-world learning, please see a list of resources below.  

Books 

• "The Global Achievement Gap" by Tony Wagner: This book explores the skills that young people need to succeed in the 21st century and how real-world learning experiences can help develop these skills. 

• "Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era" by Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith: This book discusses the shortcomings of the traditional education system and highlights the importance of experiential learning. 

• "The Power of Experiential Learning: A Handbook for Trainers and Educators" by Colin Beard and John P. Wilson: A comprehensive guide on how to implement experiential learning in educational settings. 

• "Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work" by Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Thomas Many: This book provides practical strategies for educators to create learning environments that emphasise real-world experiences. 
   

Podcasts 

• "Power of Young People Podcast" by National Youth Leadership Council: This podcast series explores how young people are using their creativity and passion to make a difference in their communities through real-world learning experiences. 

• "Higher Ed Heroes" by The University of Queensland: This podcast features conversations with educators about effective teaching practices, including the integration of real-world learning in higher education.  

• "The Power of Young People to Change the World": This podcast highlights stories of young people who are making a significant impact in their communities and beyond through real-world learning and service.  

Articles 

• "Student Learning for Success in the Real World" by Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC): This article discusses why real-world learning is essential for student success and provides expert advice and resources to incorporate real-world learning in educational settings.  

• "Authentic Learning: Bringing Real-World Relevance to the Classroom" by Mia Finch, M.Ed.: This article explores how authentic learning connects classroom lessons to real-life applications, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. 

• "Connecting Children to the Outside World Benefits Everyone" by HundrED: This article highlights the importance of involving communities in the educational process to provide children with memorable and impactful real-world learning opportunities.