Introduction
Experiential learning is a learning approach where knowledge and skills are acquired through direct experience and reflection on that experience. It’s a hands-on approach to learning that takes place through doing, rather than simply hearing or reading about a topic.
Experiential learning opportunities are intentionally designed, taking into account the developmental needs of students and placing an emphasis on ongoing reflection of what has occurred. Experiential learning activities are often characterized as being collaborative, immersive, project-based, place-based, and/or problem-based.
Characteristics of Experiential Learning
Experiential learning has several key characteristics that distinguish it from other types of learning. To learn more about each characteristic, click the tabs below.
Active Participation
Students are actively involved in constructing knowledge, which supports their ability to retain and apply the information they have learned long-term.
Hands-on Experience
Students participate in direct, hands-on experiences and activities—directly applying what they have learned, practicing their skills, and making mistakes in a safe and supportive environment. Exploration and experimentation are key.
Skills Development
Activities focus on developing a wide range of skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and teamwork) all of which are essential for success in their personal and professional lives.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Activities require collaboration and teamwork, providing students with opportunities to work together and develop important interpersonal skills.
Reflective Observation
Students reflect on their experiences, make meaningful connections between what they have learned and how they can apply that learning to other situations, and deepen their understanding of the material.
Real-world Context
Experiences occur in authentic, real-world contexts, allowing students to see the practical applications of their knowledge and skills, and to understand how the material is relevant to their lives and professional careers.
Examples of Experiential Learning
Experiential learning can take many forms and can be applied to a wide range of subjects and fields. To review some practical examples, click the tabs below.
Simulation or Role-play Exercises
Scenario activities that immerse students in authentic, real-world situations, allowing them to explore multiple perspectives, challenge their own views/biases, learn appropriate behaviors, and build skills.
Case Studies
Students analyze real-world problems or situations (independently or as a group), collecting and analyzing information on the subject and making recommendations to solve the problem.
Field Trips
Students visit (in-person or virtually) sites related to their field to apply their knowledge in a real-world context and reflect on those experiences. This can include visits to museums, historical sites, or other relevant locations to give students a more immersive experience of the subject matter.
Collaborative Group Work
Students are grouped and given an assignment or problem to work on together. Students bring their diverse backgrounds, experiences, knowledge, and skills together to form new knowledge and complete the activities.
Self-assessments or Peer Reviews
Students provide written and verbal feedback on materials they created or materials that were created by their classmates, including written papers, lab reports, design work, media, and other projects.
Video Production
Students create videos to demonstrate their understanding of a concept or to present a project. This allows students to be creative and apply their knowledge in unique ways.
Debates
Students break out into smaller groups and engage in debates around controversial topics relevant to the field. Instructors and students both can assess each other's performance.
Interactive Projects
Students apply their knowledge in interactive projects like creating virtual presentations, designing a website, drafting a blueprint, creating a musical composition, or building a model.
Games
Students participate in in-person or digital games (e.g., puzzles, trivia games, lab interactions, virtual game boards, improv activities, simulations, etc.) to learn information at their own pace, receive real-time feedback, and make mistakes in a safe environment.
Students Teaching Students
Peer-to-peer teaching activities allow students to team up to co-create and co-teach a lesson to the larger class. This can include researching the concept, identifying the main points, creating a lesson plan, thinking through learning strategies, and planning their presentation to engage the class.
Reflection
Students reflect on their learning experiences and share their insights with the larger class. Reflection helps students make connections between their experiences and the knowledge they have acquired, and provides them with a deeper understanding of the material.
Internships
An internship allows students to gain real-world experience in their field of study by placing them at a company or institution that lets them shadow or participate.
Service Learning
A combination of volunteering with classroom instruction, allowing students to apply what they have learned to real-world problems and make a positive impact in their communities.
These are just a few examples of experiential learning, and the possibilities are endless. The key is to create opportunities for hands-on, immersive experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world context.