Experiential Learning
Key Point: Students engage in hands-on experiences and reflection to connect theories of the classroom with actual situations.
Supporting Detail: This approach is about participation in learning, not merely being passively informed. Forms of Experiential Learning
Course-based opportunities:
Service-learning
Undergraduate research
Capstone projects
student teaching
Non-course-based opportunities:
Community service
Study abroad/away Internships
Types of Experiential Learning
Types of Experiential Learning Internships
Community-engaged projects
Study abroad
Undergraduate research
Studio performances
lifelong learning
Unlike
Unlike lecture-based methods, experiential learning immerses students in practical, hands-on activities in real or simulated settings.
Experiential learning
Definition: A dynamic approach where students learn by doing and reflect on their experiences.
There
Benefits of Experiential Learning Immediate application of knowledge = better retention.
Teamwork promotion = collaboration skills.
Improved motivation = learning becomes fun and engaging.
Opportunity for reflection = deeper understanding.
Real-world practice = prepares students for future challenges.
The experiential learning cycle rests
Kolb's Four Learning Styles
Diverging Strengths: imaginative, prefer observation over action, enjoy group work.
Dominant in Concrete Experience and Reflective Observation.
Assimilating:
Strengths: like abstract ideas; theoretical frameworks; less interested in people.
Dominant in Abstract Conceptualization + Reflective Observation.
Converging:
Strengths: problem-solving, technical tasks, experimenting with ideas.
Dominant in Abstract Conceptualization + Active Experimentation.
Accommodating:
Strengths: practical, intuitive, enjoy challenges.
Dominant in Concrete Experience + Active Experimentation.
learning cycle.
Some learners prefer certain stages, leading to distinct learning styles.
Concrete learning is when a learner gets a new experience, or interprets a past experience in a new way. Reflective observation comes next, where the learner reflects on their experience personally. They use the lens of their experience and understanding to reflect on what this experience means. Abstract conceptualization happens as the learner forms new ideas or adjusts their thinking based on the experience and their reflection about it. Active experimentation is where the learner applies the new ideas to the world around them, to see if there are any modifications to be made. This process can happen over a short period of time, or over a long span of time.
Four Stages of Learning Cycle:
Concrete Experience – encountering or reinterpreting an experience.
Reflective Observation – reflecting on the experience personally.
Abstract Conceptualization – forming new ideas or adjusting thinking.
Active Experimentation – applying new ideas to test and refine them.
David Kolb is best known for his work on the experiential learning theory or ELT. Kolb published this model in 1984, getting his influence from other great theorists including John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget.
Developed by David Kolb in 1984, influenced by Dewey, Lewin, and Piaget.
Learning by doing. This is the basis for the experiential learning theory.
Learning by doing — knowledge is best retained through direct experiences.
Teachers who understand learning theories can better optimize their classroom and help more students learn in ways that work for them.
Teachers should design environments where students both learn and experience concepts simultaneously.