Experiential learning prepared by Dr. GOGGI GUPTA ,ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MOHALI
- 3. Learning is a dynamic, action process The learner learns best by participation (using his eyes, muscles, thinking processes and feelings, rather than just his ears) The fully functioning or self-actualizing learner engages in experiences at a qualitatively higher level
- 4. Experiential learning is a well-known model in education, training, facilitation and organisational development. Experiential education is an immersive, participant focused active approach to learning that engages learners of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. It is effectively used in schools, higher education, therapy, corporate training and other areas for educational learning, personal development and skills building. Introduction
- 5. According to the Association for Experiential Education, experiential learning can be summed up in the phrase “challenge and experience followed by reflection and application leading to learning and growth.” The concept of experiential learning was first explored by John Dewey, Kurt Hahn, Kurt Lewin and Jean Piaget, among others. It was made popular by David A. Kolb. Experiential Education is one that: • Combines direct experience with focused reflection; • Builds on past knowledge and experiences; • Requires active involvement in meaning construction; • Encourages collaboration and exchange of ideas and perspectives; • Can be course focused or in-class, community focused, or work focused. What is experiential learning ??
- 6. Main points ----- ELT has its roots in works of Dewey, Lewin, and Piaget Experience plays a role in ELT’s process ELT is a holistic adaptive process on learning. It merges experience, perception, cognition, and behaviour
- 7. In the 1970s and 1980s David Kolb drew on the work of Dewey, Piaget, and the action research model of Kurt Lewin to develop his famous ‘learning cycle” which saw reflective observation as being a stage in the learning process in which we strive to understand and conceptualize or interpreting understanding and interpretation of experience Kolb’s learning cycle is widely used in organizational and community action- learning and participatory research processes. Experiential Learning draws on Carl Rogers’ (1969) claim that self-initiated learning which involves the whole person as the learner (feelings as well as intellect) is the most lasting and pervasive learning History
- 8. How Experiential LearningWorks. The basic model of expereintial learning cycle is "do reflect decide". Kolb's Experiential LearningTheory (Kolb, 1984) defines experiential learning as "the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combination of grasping and transforming experience."
- 10. Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory presents a cycle of four elements 1. Concrete Experience 2. Reflective Observation 3. Abstract Conceptualization 4. Active Experimentation
- 11. Kolb described two different ways of grasping experience: 1. Concrete Experience 2. Abstract Conceptualization He also identified two ways of transforming experience: 1. Reflective Observation 2. Active Experimentation Understanding the 4 Stages of Experiential Learning Cycle 1. CONCRETE EXPERIENCE: Concrete experience describes the hands-on experiences that we learn from. It’s here that we try new things, face problems and step out of our comfort zone.These experiences could be anything in our personal or professional lives. its through experience that we get to learn from our successes or failures.
- 12. 2. REFLECTIVE OBSERVATION Next we need to reflect to learn from our experiences. The ‘reflective observation’ phase of the experiential learning cycle is all about reflection on the experiences which include both action and feelings. It’s during this stage that we ponder on the experiences. We get to reflect on what went right and what could be improved? It’s also a chance to observe how it could have been done differently and to learn from each other. 3. ABSTRACT CONCEPTUALIZATION Once we have identified and understand the defining characteristics of an experience, we can decide on what we can do differently next time. This is a time for planning and brainstorming steps for success.
- 13. 4. ACTIVE EXPERIMENTATIONThe active experimentation phase of the learning cycle is where we get to experiment with our ideas. It’s time to put our plan of action to the test in the real world! Examples of Experiential Learning The learning process does not necessarily begin with experience, however. Instead, each person must choose which learning mode will work best based upon the specific situation. For example, let's imagine that you are going to learn how to drive a car. Some people might choose to begin learning via reflection by observing other people as they drive. Another person might prefer to start more abstractly, by reading and analyzing a driving instruction book.Yet another person might decide to just jump right in and get behind the seat of a car to practice driving on a test course.
- 14. The learning styles are combinations of the individual’s preferred approaches.These learning styles are as follows: • Reflector / Diverger • Theorist / Assimilator • Pragmatist / Converger • Activist / Accomodator For example, people with the Diverging learning style are dominant in the areas of concrete experience and reflective observation. Kolb suggests that a number of different factors can influence preferred learning styles. Some of the factors that he has identified include: • Personality type • Educational specialization • Career choice • Current job role • Adaptive competencies
- 15. Below are two examples Learning to ride a bicycle: • Reflective observation -Thinking about riding and watching another person ride a bike. • Abstract conceptualization - Understanding the theory and having a clear grasp of the biking concept. • Concrete experience - Receiving practical tips and techniques from a biking expert. • Active experimentation - Leaping on the bike and have a go at it. Learning to coach: • Concrete experience - Having a coach guide you in coaching someone else. • Active experimentation - Using your people skills with what you have learned to achieve your own coaching style. • Reflective observation - Observing how other people coach. • Abstract conceptualization - Reading articles to find out the pros and cons of different methods.
- 16. Nature of experiential learning A. Reflection on doing B. Pedagogical process C. Different from rote or didactic learning D. A way of doing E. Review /reflectrion F. Development of 21st centeury skills G. Different from experiential education H. Learner cenetered I. An approach to learning
- 17. Importance of Experiential Learning Makes learning relatable to participants: Participants build on what they already know and are provided with opportunities to make connections between new concepts and existing ones. Increases the effectiveness of learning: Participants engage in critical thinking, acquire problem solving skills and engage in decision making. Links theory to practice: Participants have the chance to engage in the experience and practice what they have learned, see the applicationof the theoretical concepts in practice, process that application and make generalizations.
- 18. • Increases Participants’ engagement, by encouraging collaboration • Assists in memory retention, by building strong relationships between feelings and thinking processes. Participants have the capacity to learn successfully when the information is associated with values and feelings. • Leads to development of skills for lifelong learning, by assisting in the acquisition of essential skills and encouraging Participants to reflect, conceptualize, and plan for next steps.
- 19. When Does Experiential Learning Happen Experiential learning is said to happen when participants get immersed cognitively, affectively, and behaviorally and are supported by a facilitator in reflecting, processing the experiences, emotions, thoughts and actions to get a insight in a safe learning environment, leading to change in perspective, understanding, thought, and behaviour. is able to apply the newly acquired learning in a different real life situation thereby demonstrating change.
- 20. Where can Experiential Learning can be used.? Experiential learning can become a continuous process of learning and development in corporate companies and schools by adopting the basic steps of "do, reflect and apply".
- 21. There are many ways to practice experiential learning some of which are outlined below.
- 22. What are ApplicationAreas of Experiential Learning A range of skills and behaviors can be learned with experiential learning • Team Building • Team Bonding • Trust Building • Collaboration
- 23. • Communication • MotivatingTeams • Assertiveness • Decision Making • Innovation • StrategicThinking • Creativity • Customer Focus • Confidence Building • Conflict Management • Management Development • Leadership Development Programs • Change Management
- 24. Cross FunctionalTeams Cross CulturalTeams VirtualTeams High PerformanceTeams Coaching Mentoring Organizational effectiveness Thought Leadership Conflict Management Time Management Stress Management Emotional Intelligence Goal Setting
- 25. Scope of experiential learning Broad umbrella term co-operative learning Adventure learning Experiential learning and apprenticesship
- 26. Scope 2.A wide range of design models in which experiential learning can be designed and delivered like Laboratory ,workshops ,inquiry,case study,problem based 3. Experiental learning –the future of learning 4.Used in business field(applied knowledge)