Experiential Learning - Mark Andriany

What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is an instructional model that, in a nutshell, is exactly what it sounds like: learning through experience (s). The Association for Experiential Education says that Experiential Education (EE) is “Challenge and experience followed by reflection leading to learning and growth” (www.aee.org). The theory defines learning as “the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combination of grasping and transforming experience (Kolb. D, 1984). The theory postulates that learning is a 4 stage learning cycle where the learner passes through each stage of the cycle usually starting with concrete experience:

David Kolb

Experiential Learning and Constructivism

David Kolb is awesome and smart. He received his Masters and PhD in Social Psychology from Harvard. In 1984, Kolb wrote a book called Experiential Learning: Experience as the source of learning and development and he himself stated that his work draws on the research and ideas of constructivist juggernauts John Dewey, Jean Piaget, and Kurt Lewin. Constructivism as a theory generally states that teachers are facilitators of learning and learners are constructing new knowledge with the help of the teacher or facilitator. It focuses on real world application. Linda Harasim (2012) states that constructivism has ‘generated a number of teaching approaches (such as EE) that are based on the following four key principles or values:

      1.     Active Learning
2.     Learning by doing
3.     Scaffolded Learning
4.     Collaborative Learning

Experiential learning as an instructional model is based on these very values with the exception of the collaborative element. However, I would argue that the collaborative element would almost always have to be part of the experience.

One Practical Example and a Few Suggestions...

One example of experiential learning would be in a mechanical engineering course. Students could be asked to build a bridge using 20 popsicle sticks that could support 500 grams. After an attempt (or concrete experience) the learners take note of where the bridge failed, the rigidity of the sticks when laid flat or on their side, etc. After their reflection, they create a new plan and then execute that plan. This is such a simple example but it meets the criteria for experiential learning in perfect fashion. 

Other examples

Other examples would be hands on field trips, international trips, and community service. As for students in higher education there are internships as well as studying abroad, or undergraduate research experience.

 For further Information on Experiential Learning

Best Practices in Experiential Learning - A great resource on best practices in experiential learning. Helps teachers plan to incorporate experiential activities. 

University of Texas - Experiential Learning - University of Texas discusses the active classroom and why it is so important. Also gives great ideas for experiential learning activities.

Experiential Learning - David Kolb - This URL contains most of David Kolb's book Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Devlopment

Resources:

Harasim, L. (2012). Learning theory and online technologies. Routledge.

Kolb, David A. (1984) Experiential Learning: Experience as the source of Learning and Developmen. New Jersey. Prentice Hall. Retreived from http://academic.regis.edu/ed205/kolb.pdf

Experiential Learning Defined. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2016, from https://facultyinnovate.utexas.edu/teaching/engagement/experiential-learning/defined

Vincent van Vliet. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2016, from http://www.toolshero.com/toolsheroes/david-kolb/

Experiential Learning. (2013, January 17). Retrieved August 13, 2016, from https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/resources/integrative-learning/experiential-learning
What is EE? (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2016, from http://www.aee.org/