Experiential Learning Theory Analysis

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One of the most important tasks of developing training with most beneficial results is to ensure that students retain the necessary knowledge and skills they will need to succeed. Experiential Learning allows students to learn hands on by trying the skills they are being taught in real life scenarios. Experiential Learning is learning that is taking place because the learner has actually experienced the tasks or activities he or she is trying to learn (Yardley, Teunissen, & Dornan, 2012). For example, the learner is trying to learn how to weld a piece of steel to another piece of steel. The instructor gives the learner a welder, welding rod, and two pieces of steel. Then the instructor has the learner start welding the two pieces of steel together. …show more content…
Kolb, the founder of experiential learning theory, developed this learning theory to help learners better retain knowledge through experiencing task in a real life setting. Theories presented by Dewey, Piaget, and Lewis were the foundation of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (Chan, 2012). Dewey (1938) proposes that the nature of experience is continuous and the experiential learning process is a fundamental importance to education and adult development. Piaget (1999) emphasizes learning as a lifelong process of discovery, knowledge, assimilation, and accommodation of learning from experience and knowledge. Lewis developed a four-stage cycle of action research with reflection, planning, action and observation (Smith, 2001). Building from these theories, Kolb developed the experiential learning theory model, which depicts the Experiential Learning Cycle. The cycle begins with the first step called Concrete Experience (Experience/Feel), during this step the learner experiences details of the task through cognitive and …show more content…
Two experiential learning strategy examples are Microteaching and Role Playing. (Experiential Learning Strategies, 2012). The strategy of Microteaching helps teachers learn a new teaching skill by allowing them to teach to a small group of their peers. The curriculum is abbreviated so that one skill or a small amount of skills can be the focus. There are four steps (Experiential Learning Strategies,

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