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Experiential learning was coined by psychologist and learning theorist, David Kolb in 1984. According to Kolb, knowledge is formed through active participation from the learner and their environment through real-life experiences and through the reflection of those experiences (Kolb, 1984).

What are the characteristics?

Kolb (1984) described the characteristics of experimental learning as…

  1. Learning is not an outcome: Instead of viewing learning as the meeting of a learning outcome, we should recognize that learning can be formed through development.
  2. Learning is continuous: As we learn through experience, our knowledge is constantly changing to form new ideas in replacement of old ones.
  3. Learning involves balancing opposed abilities: Learners must choose which set of learning abilities they will show in a given learning situation (There are four abilities in this case: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstraction conceptualization, and active experimentation).
  4. Learning involves transactions between the learner and the environment: Learners will obtain knowledge when they are interacting with the activity in a real-life situation.
  5. Learning is the process of creating knowledge: To understand learning, we must also understand that knowledge is a transaction between social knowledge and personal knowledge.

How can we implement this in classrooms?

  • Field trips
  • Role-playing
  • Reflection activities
  • Peer-tutoring
  • Student-run class discussions
Here is an example of what experiential learning can look like within a classroom.

What are the benefits of this learning?

According to the website, Experiential Learning Depot, experiential learning…

  • Links theory to practice
  • Promotes creativity in students
  • Increases students’ engagement
  • Accelerates the speed of learning
  • Promotes life-long learning

Experiential learning and growth mindset

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Experiential learning aligns seamlessly with a growth mindset because a growth mindset involves the active transaction between the learner and the environment in order to shift their mindset from a stagnant, negative place to a continuous, positive one. Additionally, a characteristic of experiential learning is that it does not view learning as an outcome which is also true of the growth mindset which views learning as a way to grow and develop new skills.

This learning strategy will be utlilized within my Interactive Learning Resource because in order for children to utilize a growth mindset in their own lives, they must engage in real-life practice and scenarios. This will be obtained through activities such as…

  • In pairs, students will be provided with a story where a child is met with a challenge. Students will brainstorm ideas of different thoughts and behaviours the child could have in a fixed/growth mindset and how that would change the subsequent behaviour. Pairs will then present their ideas to another group via breakout rooms.
  •  Students will display their learning in a medium of their choice (write/draw a picture/make a video etc.). Share a time when you were met with a challenge and did not use a growth mindset. Modify the scenario using a growth mindset. What actions were involved and what was the result?

References

Kolb, David. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience As The Source Of Learning And Development.

Segar, S. (2021, August 31). The benefits of experiential learning. Experiential Learning Depot. https://www.experientiallearningdepot.com/experiential-learning-blog/the-benefits-of-experiential-learning