What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning is fundamentally rooted in the idea of gaining knowledge and skills through active participation and reflection on direct experiences. This process engages learners in real-world scenarios, encouraging them to take part in activities that are relevant to the subject matter at hand. Participants reflect on their experiences to derive meaning and integrate what they have learned into their broader understanding. This method emphasizes learning as a dynamic process, where understanding evolves through doing, discussing, and reflecting.

This form of learning contrasts sharply with more traditional methods, such as relying solely on lectures or textbooks, which focus more on passive absorption of information rather than active engagement. It also differs from learning that occurs exclusively through assessments, which can often prioritize memorization over comprehension, and from learning that lacks practical application, making it difficult to connect theoretical concepts to real-world situations. In essence, experiential learning fosters deeper comprehension and retention of knowledge by immersing learners in practical, hands-on applications that they can reflect upon and learn from.