Experiential Learning – From Theory to Practice

It has been nearly four decades since David Kolb expounded on a theory of experiential learning (Kolb, 1984). These five simple tips will help you identify and build on opportunities to integrate more experiential learning in your teaching.

  1. What clues do your Learning Outcomes give you? - One of the best ways to rethink your experiential learning strategy is to look at your subject Learning Outcomes. Re-contextualising these to inform in-class, activity-based learning will ensure the development of the knowledge, skills and capabilities required to meet these objectives is guided by student-centred experiences rather than didactic teaching.
  2. How does the changing nature of the workplace affect how and what you teach? - The most recent Future of Jobs Report positions the importance of digital technologies and analytical, critical and creative thinking in transforming work across countless industries. When we think of experiential learning, we must articulate what these mean in our disciplines and incorporate learning that develops the attributes our graduates need for their futures.
  3. What are you doing already? What do you need to change, or start doing more of? - You’re probably already doing some great in-class activities that capture experiential learning. Observe which activities or exercises engage your learners in deep learning that’s helping them meet their outcomes. Similarly, ask yourself (and your students) what aspects of the subject are not meeting these expectations, and consider how to incorporate activities that meet these gaps.
  4. Is experiential the same as authentic learning? - Some of the complex aspects of a degree are necessary for understanding, but may rarely (or never) be called upon after graduation. You can be having a highly engaging learning experience that does not necessarily replicate something your students might do in the workforce. However, if the activities or assessments you are designing are both authentic and experiential then your students will be getting the premium learning experience.
  5. What support is available? - The Williams Centre is wholly committed to supporting teaching using experiential, active and authentic approaches, and many of our PD Workshops and offerings reflect this (see our Programs and Events Calendar for details). We offer one-on-one consultation should you require support specific to your discipline. Refer to our website for the suite of resources available across the faculty and university.