Experiential Learning
Summary
The experiential learning process is often used by facilitators to ensure that learning occurs and that learners are ready to perform on the job. Participants learn inductively; that is, they discover for themselves by experiencing the activity. The five-step process includes experiencing or doing something; sharing observations, feelings, and thoughts; interpreting the concepts; connecting what was experienced to real life; and planning ways to apply what was learned. The last four steps occur through a debriefing process. It is critical to ensure transfer of learning. Each of the activities in this chapter models the concepts of experiential learning and can easily be adapted to any topic. The chapter discusses different strategies that include appreciative inquiry for a positive approach, exploring a new frontier, let's learn by drawing, lunch bunch, QR code scavenger hunt, and tie your shoe. The strategies are explained based on participants, procedure, debrief, variations and case examples.