8 Experiential Learning

Experiential learning involves engaging with concepts, problems, or processes through concrete, authentic tasks and experiences. It can occur in a variety of settings, including classrooms, laboratories, workshops, studios, workplaces, and in the community. Experiential learning is appropriate for all disciplines, student levels, and course formats, including online, blended, and traditional classroom settings.

While there are several frameworks for experiential learning, Kolb’s learning cycle is frequently cited. It includes the following components, although the sequence of events will differ based on context:

  • Plan: Learners anticipate what will happen based on current knowledge.
  • Concrete experiences: Learners do something.
  • Reflection: Learners analyze what happened during the experience.
  • Conceptualize: Learners make generalizations to help plan for future events.

Practice examples

Select the following links to read more about experiential learning taking place at educational institutions:

Additional resources

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