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The Ins And Outs Of Experiential Learning
by: Tyler Bellamy
What is Experiential Learning?
As it's name suggests, Experiential Learning could be most simply
understood as learning by doing. Experiential Learning is often associated
with contructivist learning theory.
Why is Experiential Learning useful?
The old adage of 'nothing beats some hands on experience' applies here.
Through putting students in situations to build real world experiences,
experiences that have both benefits and consequences, students are able to
put their learnings into practice. Experiential Learning encourages
students to make discoveries and experiment with knowledge themselves,
instead of hearing or reading about the experiences of others. Think about
when you were studying to be a teacher, if you were anything like me, then
the most valuable time spent during your university/college education was
the time spent on teaching rounds.
How could I incorporate Experiential Learning in the classroom?
Chances are if you've read through the what and why of Experiential
Learning then you will already have formed some ideas about how best to
incorporate this learning style in your own classroom. In the beginning
stages of Experiential Learning, and depending on the age of your
students, it is perhaps best to use things such as role plays, games and
simulations of real life situations. Anything that will bring the subject
your teaching out of the text book and into the 'real world' of your
students. It may require you, as the teacher, to rethink the way you lead
your class, leading to a more dynamic learning environment.
If students are a little older Experiential Learning can move outside of
the classroom. Longer terms projects that involve numerous elements both
in and out of the classroom can work well, depending on the class.
Preparing a school magazine is a prime example. Keep it interesting, but
keep in grounded in the subject your leading.
What are the benefits of Experiential Learning?
The benefits for the students are obvious. Experiential Learning
encourages students to think more freely about how their actions and
knowledge can impact upon real world scenarios.
I would argue that the key feature of Experiential Learning is the way in
which it asks you, as the teacher, to change the way you view the
classroom. It forces your teaching to become more dynamic and active as
you, in effect, learn with your students, reviewing what works and what
doesn't, and all the while improving. It helps prevent your teaching style
from growing stale, and that can only be a good thing for everyone.
About The Author
Tyler Bellamy aka. 'The Principal' is the webmaster for
http://www.edu-hq.com a website
providing a range of informative resources for teachers and education
professionals. Join the free teaching forum at
http://www.edu-hq.com/forum
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