Experiencing in Experiential Learning refers to the direct, active involvement of a learner in a meaningful activity or situation. It’s the first stage in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, which includes Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization and Active Experimentation
1. Experiencing Means:
This stage is about doing — participating in an activity, encountering a problem, or facing a real or simulated situation. The learner becomes immersed in the moment, often through:
- Hands-on tasks (e.g., lab experiments, simulations, role plays)
- Real-life experiences (e.g., internships, service learning, travel)
- Group work or collaborative challenges
2. Examples of “Experiencing” in Practice
- A nursing student working in a clinical setting with real patients
- A business student managing a simulation of a company
- An art student participating in a live exhibit
- A language learner engaging in a conversation with a native speaker
3. “Experiencing” Matters:
- Engagement: Learners are emotionally and cognitively involved.
- Memory: Direct involvement enhances retention.
- Relevance: Learners see the importance and context of what they’re learning.
- Foundation for reflection: It sets the stage for the next steps in the cycle—analysing and applying what was learned.
4. Tips for Effective Experiential Learning:
- Make the experience authentic and purposeful.
- Encourage learners to step out of their comfort zone.
- Balance structure with freedom so learners can explore meaningfully.
- Follow up with reflection to deepen learning.
By – Dr. Mrutyunjaya Mangaraj Asst. Professor, Department of EEE- SRM University -AP.
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