Experiential Learning

Definition

Experiential learning is a process through which individuals acquire knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences. It emphasizes the role of hands-on, active engagement in the learning process, in contrast to more traditional, lecture-based approaches.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Experiential learning is a key component of humanistic approaches to psychology, which emphasize the importance of personal growth, self-awareness, and the subjective experience of the individual.
2. The process of experiential learning involves actively engaging in an experience, reflecting on that experience, and then using the insights gained to inform future actions and decisions.
3. Proponents of experiential learning argue that it helps students develop a deeper understanding of concepts, as well as the ability to apply what they have learned in real-world situations.
4. Experiential learning activities can include internships, service-learning projects, field trips, and hands-on workshops, among other forms of active engagement.
5. Effective experiential learning requires a balance between the learner's personal experiences and the guidance and support of an instructor or facilitator.

Review Questions

• Explain how the process of experiential learning can contribute to personal growth and self-awareness, as emphasized in humanistic approaches to psychology.
  • Experiential learning encourages individuals to engage actively with their environment and reflect on their experiences. This process can foster self-awareness, as learners become more attuned to their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By connecting their personal experiences to broader concepts and theories, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, aligning with the humanistic emphasis on personal growth and the subjective experience of the individual.
• Describe how the principles of situated learning and problem-based learning are incorporated into experiential learning approaches.
  • Experiential learning recognizes the importance of learning in context, as emphasized by situated learning theory. By engaging in real-world activities and addressing authentic problems, learners are able to develop knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their lives and future endeavors. Problem-based learning, which uses complex, open-ended problems as the starting point for learning, is often incorporated into experiential learning approaches. This encourages learners to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, rather than simply memorizing information, further enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the learning experience.
• Evaluate the role of the instructor or facilitator in guiding and supporting effective experiential learning, and explain how this approach differs from more traditional, lecture-based instruction.
  • In experiential learning, the instructor or facilitator plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting the learner's journey, rather than simply transmitting information. They help create meaningful learning experiences, provide feedback and guidance, and encourage reflection and analysis. This approach differs significantly from traditional, lecture-based instruction, which often relies on passive absorption of information. By actively engaging learners and fostering a collaborative, interactive environment, experiential learning aims to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts, ultimately leading to more meaningful and lasting learning outcomes.

Related terms

Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle: A four-stage model that describes the process of experiential learning, including concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.

Situated Learning: A theory that emphasizes the importance of learning in the context of the situations and activities in which it occurs, rather than in isolation.

Problem-Based Learning: An instructional approach that uses real-world problems as the starting point for learning, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities and collaboration.