Experiential Learning in Higher Education

Objectives Understand the key theoretical or conceptual frameworks behind experiential learning. Define at least two different types of experiential learning. Identify examples of how experiential learning has been used in higher education environments. Identify opportunities in their own teaching, learning or classroom environments for more experiential learning. For internal use of Laureate Education, Inc. only. All rights reserved. 2

Rationale Adult learners need to get involved Students are demanding more of their education Changing world Helps students understand and appreciate the value of what they are learning Supports social and ethical values Individuals remember much more of what they do than what they hear

Theoretical Foundations John Dewey Progressive Education Malcolm Knowles Andragogy David Kolb Learning Styles Experiential Learning Jack Mezirow Transformative Learning

Key principles Learning is undertaken by the student; not instructor driven Not the same as self-directed Requires critical thinking skills Requires ability to self-reflect Role of incentives Whole person learning

Types of Experiential Learning Outside the Classroom Previous experience Cooperative education Practicum-based Service learning Interviews

Types of Experiential Learning Inside the Classroom Class discussion Group activity Role play Case study Simulations

Experiential Learning Cycle Concrete Learning Active Experimentation Reflective Observation Abstract Conceptualization

Examples of experiential learning Cohorts of preservice teachers University of Memphis, Memphis, TN; USA Social justice Saint Michael s College, Colchester, VT; USA Communication Skills in health care Standardized Patients Social Entrepreneurship California State University, Chico, CA, USA. Develop passion

Examples of experiential learning Business Education - Butler University, Indianapolis, IN; USA International and Cultural Leadership - University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia Communication Skills of IS developers King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Examples of experiential learning Lab skills education Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom. Second Life http://secondlife.com/?v=1.1

Application Your subject Which type of learning experience might work best: Outside the classroom Inside the classroom Identify a particular type of exercise that makes sense Outside Inside For internal use of Laureate Education, Inc. only. All rights reserved. 13

References Bloom, B. S., Engelhart, M, D., Furst, F J., Hill, W, H,, & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: Cognitive domain. New York: David McKay, Cantor, J. A. (1995). Experiential Learning in higher education: Linking classroom and community. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 7. Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York: Macmillan. Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., Swanson, R.A. (2005). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource developmental. (6 th Ed.). Boston, MA: Elsevier. Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc. Reynolds, M. & Vince, R. (Eds). (2007). The Handbook of Experiential Learning and Management Education. London: Oxford University Press. Second Life. http://secondlife.com/?v=1.1 Silberman, M. (Ed.) (2007). The Handbook of experiential learning. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons. Thistlethwaite, J. & Ridgway, G. (2006). Making it real: A practical guide to experiential learning of communication skills. Abingdon, UK: Radcliffe Publishing.