Technological, and educational changes have changed how students learn in India over the last century. The newest among them is Experiential learning. It is what the name suggests: learning by doing. David Kolb, a psychologist was the first to propose experiential learning theory. What is experiential learning, many parents ask? It is a method where students participate in their education through experiences. Experiential learning meaning is understood as learning through reflection on doing, as said by kolb.
Experiential learning examples include internships, community service, and study abroad programs that let children learn through practical opportunities.
Experiential learning benefits for students
In experiential learning, students work together and learn from each other. It’s more mouldable than traditional classrooms, where students often compete, zone out, or lose motivation. Conventional teaching is known to be rigid. Teachers who understand experiential learning theory understand the importance of flexibility in new time teaching.
Rote and didactic learning methods have dominated the educational system for the longest time. Rote learning is memorising by heart without understanding the basics, while didactic learning is done based on what the teacher asks. Recent studies say that students retain up to 75% when learning actively, compared to a mere 5% through conventional classroom methods.
The goal is to give students a glimpse of actuality. Researchers say, “EL focuses on the learning process rather than the outcome.” Instead of reading textbook chapters, students look into topics they care about. That personal connection makes them more interested in learning.
Students who take advantage of experiential learning opportunities benefit from:
- A deep understanding of course content
- A wider look on the world and a respect for community, knowledge of their talent, passions, interests, and values
- Cooperation with various groups and individuals
- Good work habits and competencies
- The satisfaction of helping to address needs in the community
- Self-assurance and leadership abilities
When students reflect on their own work, they learn better by comparing theories to practicality. This is the first step to experiential learning meaning. Experiential learning examples also include journaling or group discussions post any curricular activity. But experiential learning theory only works when all three stages are there: doing, reflecting, and applying. Below is more information about each stage of experiential learning.
What is the 4 stage cycle of experiential learning?
David A. Kolb created experiential learning theory, which divides optimal learning process in a four-step cycle:
- Experiencing: Students engage with the present and what they are learning at the moment by using their senses and perceptions. This stage shows the centre of experiential learning meaning. For example, children can sow seeds and make notes of the soil type, the effect of sunlight and water on the seedling.
- Reflecting: Following an experience, reflective observation takes place next in experiential learning theory. The student considers what transpired and connects the experience and their thoughts and feelings. Here, kids can discuss their experience and things they can do better for better plant growth.
- Thinking: To arrive at conclusions, students engage in abstract conceptualisation, which involves thinking through and refining ideas on their own. This thinking stage helps explain what is experiential learning for better cognitive development. Students can relate their action with the result by understanding that perhaps the leaves dried because they watered it less.
- Acting: After that, students test their theories through active experimentation. They use what they’ve learned in practice. This action stage is where experiential learning examples allow students to apply knowledge. The final stage allows students to inculcate what they think is right, like watering plants more or using different soil types.
Top 9 benefits of experiential learning for students
One of the best schools in Telangana, DPS Warangal, believes that students learn best when they participate in different educational activities and apply them in real life. This belief comes from the experiential learning theory. Experiential learning helps students build independence, confidence, and intelligence, allowing them to personalise their own learning journey.
Over time, experiential learning has offered many benefits that boosts a child’s holistic development. According to DPS Warangal, below are the reasons why experiential learning is the future of education.
Engagement and active learning:
Unlike passive learning, experiential learning actively involves students in the educational process, asking for greater participation and engagement.
Application of knowledge:
It allows a better understanding of concepts and their applicability by letting students apply theoretical knowledge in practicality. These are classic experiential learning examples that show why this method is so good.
Critical thinking and problem-solving:
Critical thinking skills are developed by encouraging students to assess situations, draw conclusions, and solve problems in everyday life, which is important for experiential learning theory.
Development of skills:
A few of the many skills that experiential learning cultivates and are crucial for success in the modern workforce are communication, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and leadership. This is in line with the goals of experiential learning theory.
Retention and long-term learning:
Compared to traditional classroom instruction, hands-on experiences help students retain information better. This retention is a key part of the experiential learning meaning.
Personalised learning:
It enables the development of learning experiences, promoting a more inclusive learning environment. This personalised approach shows what experiential learning is about customisation.
Future preparation:
Experiential learning gives students the skills they need to succeed in lifelong learning. Students are better prepared for the future when they use experiential learning theory.
Cultural and global understanding:
Interaction with people from different backgrounds is common when learning through experiential learning activities. It boosts empathy, cultural awareness, and a wider perspective in students.
Better confidence:
Success in practical experiences increases a students’ self-esteem, motivation, and confidence. They get inspired to take on new tasks.
Students primarily benefit from learning by doing which is an unique instruction method. It goes beyond simply listening to the teacher’s lecture in a classroom. Instead, it’s about gaining practical experience and carrying out tasks yourself. Students can better understand and retain information with this type of learning. It also aids in the development of critical life skills. Participating in practical real life situations makes students an active learner and gives them the self-assurance to adjust to various circumstances. These benefits emphasise what is experiential learning and why it matters.
According to DPS Warangal, experiential learning theory is one of the most important teaching strategies for bringing out the best in today’s children. Thus, gathering experiences is one of the most vital elements of a child’s growth and illustrates the true experiential learning meaning and learning by doing.