Transformative Trans-Disciplinary Experiential Education: Aligning Outdoor Learning, Cultural Immersion, and Classroom Success
Samrat Urval
Krishna Patel
Anindita Chatterjee
Explore how a trans-disciplinary approach in experiential education combines outdoor learning, cultural immersion, and academic goals to transform students’ learning journeys. This session emphasizes how blending insights from different fields — education, cultural studies, and environmental sciences — can create more meaningful and integrated experiences. We’ll cover strategies for aligning these experiences with classroom objectives, effective risk management, and fostering a holistic connection between students and their environment. This session is essential for educators aiming to elevate their students’ academic and developmental outcomes through trans-disciplinary methods. This approach encourages crossing traditional boundaries between disciplines to foster deeper understanding and holistic education.
About Samrat
Samrat, the founder, director, and visionary behind iEXP 360, embarked on his journey in Experiential Education in India. Recognizing the field’s vast potential, he ventured to the US to refine his skills further by working, exploring, and studying various aspects of Experiential Education.
His academic pursuits led him to Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he completed his Master’s in Experiential Education. With his deep understanding of Western values and Indian cultural ethos, Samrat, through iEXP 360, aims to provide safety-conscious, world-class experiences. His vision is to create impactful programs and ensure these experiences benefit everyone involved in the ecosystem, reflecting a balance of global perspectives and local insights.
About Krishna
Krishna’s adventurous spirit led her to a semi-nomadic lifestyle as an Outdoor Educator, a journey that began in Pune, a city renowned for its historic forts and adventurous spirit. Her path took her globally, leading programs in the US, Thailand and Australia. These experiences were not just about exploring new geographies; they also ignited her motivation to further her education. Krishna pursued and attained a Master’s in Outdoor and Experiential Learning from the University of Cumbria, UK, enhancing her expertise in the field. At iEXP 360, Krishna leverages her extensive knowledge and experience to design and lead world-class programs. Her expertise is crafting journeys and creating educational experiences that resonate with students, encouraging them to explore, learn, and grow.
About Anindita
Anindita, a field leader for iEXP 360 and a certified Wilderness First Responder, has her roots in the bustling suburbs of Mumbai. Despite her urban upbringing, she has always felt a deeper connection with nature, particularly water, leading her to jest that her birth as a terrestrial being was a whimsical oversight by nature.
She is committed to blending Outdoor and Environmental Education with 21st-century skills, focusing on nurturing young minds toward a conscious and sustainable future. Her diverse skills and interests make her a dynamic field leader at iEXP 360, where she contributes significantly to creating enriching and conscious learning experiences.