When teachers are committed to encouraging their students to become lifelong learners, they know that they have to take their lesson plans beyond defining key terms, memorising facts and reiterating information that was read in a textbook. Instead, they have to support their students in forming personal connections to the material that they are learning. And one of the best ways to do this is through experiential learning.
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is a form of learning that allows the student to connect with the material on a personal level and experience it for themselves. Teachers who practise experiential learning know that this educational model requires students to be curious and self-motivated and also requires students to perform regular self-assessments. Hands-on learning, after all, is the anchor of this type of educational model, and most lessons will involve some type of skills-based learning or hands-on activity.
Benefits of Experiential Learning
When teachers combine experiential learning activities and employ Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, their students enjoy many different benefits. Not only is experiential learning advantageous for academic growth and progress, but it also helps students develop the important 21st-century skills that they will need to succeed in a global economy.
These are just a few of the benefits that students realise from experiential learning:
- Students are able to connect the material that they are studying to the world around them. Experiential learning allows them to understand how they will be able to use this information moving forward.
- Through experiential learning, students become more creative and innovative. They actively look for ways to apply their knowledge and test their own theories.
- In hands-on learning environments, students are able to make plenty of mistakes and learn from them. They discover that by testing their own theories, they will make mistakes and subsequently revise their theories in order to accommodate what they have learned.
- Experiential learning requires students to collaborate with one another and discuss their findings, and these are critical skills that they will need as they grow older.
Comparison with Traditional Learning Methods
Experiential learning diverges significantly from traditional educational approaches by prioritising active engagement and practical application over mere theoretical instruction.
In traditional settings, the emphasis is often on the passive absorption of information through lectures and rote memorisation. This can limit students’ ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. In contrast, experiential learning involves students directly in their own education. They engage in activities that mimic real-life challenges, which not only enhances their understanding but also ensures they can utilise the knowledge in practical situations. This approach empowers students to take charge of their own learning process, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are pivotal for success outside the classroom.
Research Supporting Experiential Learning
Substantial research has underscored the benefits of experiential learning, particularly highlighting its impact on fostering socially responsible behaviours and enhancing educational outcomes in complex subjects like Mathematics. For example, in the research paper “Experiential Learning and Its Impact on College Students” by The University of Texas at Austin, Caulfield and Woods were referenced, and it is stated when experiential learning is applied with a focus on social issues, it significantly boosts students’ propensity for social responsibility, likely making them more proactive in their communities.
In addition, in Mathematics education, experiential learning has been shown to enhance not just the uptake of knowledge but also its application. This was pointed out in a study whereby there were broad positive impacts of experiential learning on students’ academic performance. This is further backed up by other studies that found that the quality and effectiveness of learning were substantially improved through this hands-on approach, which effectively motivates students.
Additionally, other studies noted a specific increase in students’ Mathematical creativity, a finding echoed by other reports that observed that experiential learning surpasses traditional methods in fostering creative Mathematical thinking.
Research also indicates that experiential learning can profoundly enhance problem-solving skills. This is because real-life problem-solving tasks are thought to significantly impact students’ ability to practically apply Mathematical concepts. As such, this experiential method has been shown to deepen students’ understanding of Mathematics and reduce the perceived burden of the curriculum, especially among students tackling complex problems.
The Four Stages of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle illustrates the process through which learning takes place. This model is pivotal in transforming experience into deeper understanding and practical knowledge.
Concrete Experience
This is the first stage of the cycle, in which the student actively participates in the learning experience, which may include a hands-on activity or a field trip. These types of activities immerse them in direct experiences that are relevant to the content they are studying. This approach allows students to engage with the material in a real-world context, which enhances retention and comprehension, allowing for better application of theoretical knowledge. For example, a Science student might understand the principles of Physics more deeply after constructing and launching a model rocket.
Reflective Observation
During this stage, the student is encouraged to look back on the learning experience, considering what went well and what didn’t. This reflection helps them to understand the dynamics of their experiences and to see the potential areas for improvement or change. By doing so, students can identify their own personal responses to the situations they encounter and begin to see how their learning can be applied in different contexts. For instance, after a debate, a student might reflect on the arguments used and consider how different techniques could be more persuasive.
Abstract Conceptualisation
The third stage requires students to take their activity one step further, and develop a theory or conceptualise a model based on what they experienced. For example, after observing a series of chemical reactions in a lab, an IGCSE Chemistry student might formulate a hypothesis about how temperature affects the rate of a reaction. This stage transforms concrete experiences and reflective observations into a set of principles that students can use to guide future actions and decisions.
Active Experimentation
The final stage requires students to test the theory or model that they created. This might mean applying a Mathematical formula to solve a new type of problem, or it might involve trying out a new technique in a Science experiment. This is where learning is put to the test, where students apply what they have theorised to new situations, exploring the outcomes of their ideas in practice. This is crucial for deepening understanding and reinforcing learning.
Examples of Experiential Learning in the Classroom
Experiential learning in the classroom takes various forms, each designed to immerse students in the learning process through active participation. These are some examples of how experiential learning can be implemented in the classroom:
- Role Play: This method allows students to embody roles that relate to specific subjects or scenarios. For example, in a history class, students might take on the roles of historical figures during a significant event to debate and discuss the motives and impacts of those figures’ actions. This method helps students understand historical perspectives and develop empathy and communication skills.
- Debate: Debates encourage students to research and articulate their positions on various topics. This not only improves their research and presentation skills but also teaches them to consider different viewpoints and defend their ideas under pressure, which is invaluable for critical thinking.
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL): In PBL settings, students start with a problem to solve rather than theoretical knowledge. For instance, a Math class might present a real-world problem that requires students to apply different Mathematical concepts and techniques. This approach encourages students to become autonomous learners and enhances their problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Project-Based Learning: One of the advantages of project-based learning is that it involves students in complex projects that extend over a period of time, often requiring interdisciplinary skills. Projects might involve creating a documentary or developing a business plan. This type of learning promotes collaboration, planning, and critical thinking, as students must manage the project from concept to completion.
These methods ensure that learning is not just about absorbing information but about engaging with it actively and creatively. They make the classroom a dynamic environment where students learn to apply their knowledge practically and collaboratively, preparing them for real-world challenges.
Creating a Mindset Shift for Students through Experiential Learning
As the frequently-quoted saying goes, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” Experiential learning allows students to shift their mindset when it comes to their academic progress. They discover that the point of going to school and being part of a classroom is not to memorise facts and figures. They realise that the purpose of their educational journey is to continuously grow, develop and make connections to the world around them. Experiential learning not only focuses on acquiring knowledge, but it also prioritises character development, problem-solving and deeper levels of learning.
At One World International School, experiential and inquiry-based learning are at the centre of our curriculum. We believe that experiential learning allows students to remain at the centre of the learning process. We have seen first-hand the numerous benefits that students enjoy when they receive an education that is rooted in inquiry and first-hand experience.
Our students in international primary school and international secondary school are required to complete project-based assignments that naturally lead to discussion and collaboration. They spend their days at school working inside open-concept classrooms and exploring outdoor learning areas. In addition, they are given many opportunities to experience their lessons in the real world through community engagement initiatives and field trips.
For more information about experiential learning at OWIS, contact us today.
(This blog was originally written in collaboration with Mr Ong Jun Liang (Ryan), former Maths Teacher, OWIS Nanyang.)
