Experiential Learning

What is this technique about

Experiential Learning can be defined as “learning by doing” as it blends learning with experience, and therefore covers a very broad knowledge development process. Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience, so it happens by doing and living rather than just studying. Students can thus correctly understand the impact of the subject/activity. Experiential learning motivates students and increases class participation by allowing them to connect on an intellectual, emotional, and social level. This technique includes a variety of techniques such as critical thinking and analysis skills, self-reflection, decision-making , and becoming accountable. In this context, the learner is questioning, experimenting, being creative, problem solving, analyzing, taking risks, etc. and thus can acquire skills.

Where does it come from 

In the 20th century, David A. Kolb developed the modern concept of experiential learning based on the learning process for the individual, known as Kolb’s experiential learning model. It was developed in the 1970s and became an innovative and original educational approach (Kolb, 2005).

For which purposes it is used (why in your engineering teaching)

This learning technique is used for students to learn through personal experience, as learning is constructed and assimilated by students’ personal reflections on their own decisions, responsibilities, and consequences. The role of the teacher is to provide the necessary instructions for the development of education and to guide students through their hands-on learning processes.

Some of the main benefits are:

• • It increases student motivation and learning participation as it makes students aware of the direct connections between what they have learned and past/future experiences.
  • Experiential learning encourages self-reflexive habits and provides accountability skills.
  • It improves their ability to apply knowledge and make connections between their work and experience, which improves long-term memory.

How to use it

It is important to consider the relevance of the proposed activity to promote an appropriate learning experience for your students. Not every educational activity is suitable for the purposes of this type of learning, so you should consider the educational needs of your students and the objectives of the education.

To turn your engineering teaching into an experiential learning process, consider the following:

• • Identify the goals of your education and the needs of your students. You should suggest an activity/experience that meets both requirements.
  • Design an activity that can combine theoretical training with real experience. Make sure your students understand the reasons behind the activity and give them the necessary instructions to succeed. Remember that the purpose of this learning is to reflect knowledge as you experience it.