Benefits of Experiential Learning
Written by:
WIlson College
• Aug 26, 2024
Experiential learning places students in real-world situations, offering benefits beyond traditional classroom learning.
An article published in Frontiers in Education reported on a study that found experiential learning in arithmetic and geometry led to higher test scores and positive attitudes toward learning among sixth graders. It can improve communication, modeling, thinking, and reasoning skills. Well-designed activities by teachers promote essential qualities for future success, enhancing personalization and learning outcomes in both face-to-face and online settings.
Beyond academics, experiential learning positively influences students’ health and well-being. A study in PLOS ONE showed that experiential learning interventions improved children’s physical activity knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
Teachers who have a thorough understanding of experiential learning can use various approaches to enhance both the academic performance and the personal growth of their students.
What Is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning offers students opportunities to engage in unique learning activities. Instructors mentor students throughout these activities. Students spend time observing and reflecting, often in groups with their peers. After reflection, they analyze their experiences and relate them to their classroom lessons. Finally, they share how they may apply what they learned to future experiences, reinforcing the practical relevance of their education.
Experiential learning can significantly influence education by providing a hands-on approach that makes learning relevant to real-world situations. This approach requires active participation, immersing students in activities that engage them directly with the material. It also encourages reflection, helping students cultivate a deeper understanding and personal connection with what they learn.
How Does Experiential Learning Benefit Students?
The benefits of experiential learning include enhanced student engagement and motivation while equipping them with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It fosters personal growth and self-awareness, which can improve knowledge retention and application.
Students actively explore throughout their learning. This includes multisensory engagement, which activates multiple areas of the brain, and hands-on experimentation, leading to improved learning outcomes.
By linking theoretical knowledge to practical applications, experiential learning can equip students with the skills needed to navigate complex challenges. The benefits of experiential learning extend beyond the classroom: Students acquire valuable life skills and self-awareness. It also encourages students to build confidence and engage in self-reflection, all of which contribute to their overall development.
4 Experiential Learning Practices
Experiential learning is a powerful tool to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. While experiential learning has numerous practices, certain approaches stand out for their effectiveness in ensuring the success of these programs.
The section below highlights four key practices that enhance the impact of experiential learning.
1. Engaging in Careful Planning and Design
When planning to integrate experiential learning in the classroom, teachers should consider topics that students struggle to retain as well as those with real-world applications. Educators need to be involved in the planning and design process, but a key aspect in structuring experiential learning is to allow high degrees of student agency in selecting topics, projects, or experiences. This approach can lead to greater ownership and empowerment from start to finish. Students thrive when they can apply their passion to a project based on their own experiences, interests, and direction.
2. Framing Experiences
Developing students involves giving them recurring opportunities to lead, particularly students looking to become leaders. Schools can identify curricular and extracurricular activities that can be more student-driven. Student-led teams can manage community service outings, project-based learning can include rotating group leaders, and field trips can incorporate student co-leaders.
3. Providing Time for Reflection
Regular check-ins allow students to reflect on their experiences and lessons learned. Avoiding shallow, rote forms of reflection is crucial. Effective reflection involves iteration and variety, using a combination of modalities—written, visual, narrative, intrapersonal, and interpersonal—to deepen understanding and engagement.
4. Promoting Active Participation
Experiential learning involves hands-on activities and real-life problem-solving, keeping students engaged and transforming them into creators of knowledge. Digital components enhance this process, as students benefit more from interacting with virtual objects than traditional slides or videos. Story-driven, immersive learning provides meaningful data and real-time feedback. When real-life experiences aren’t feasible, teachers can use digital tools to create effective virtual learning.
Enable Students to Benefit from Experiential Learning
Implementing experiential learning strategies allows educators to create enriching environments that foster student engagement, growth, and practical knowledge application. To further enhance their skills, teachers can pursue a Master of Education (MEd) from Wilson College Online . This self-paced program uses asynchronous course delivery, enabling teachers to complete their degree according to their professional development needs.
The program integrates new strategies directly into school and classroom practice. Courses such as EDU531 Contemporary Issues – Edu and EDU532 Education Perspectives in a Diverse Society, along with topics like inclusive education, including special education , teaching best practices, and technology integration, ensure that graduates acquire cutting-edge skills. Taught by experienced educators, the curriculum is constantly updated to reflect best practices.
Teachers looking for answers on what experiential learning is, how it can help their students, and what it means for their careers should explore how the program can help them succeed. Learn more about the MEd from Wilson College Online.
Recommended Readings
How to Become a School Principal
The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Special Education?
Sources:
EdSurge, “Digital Experiential Learning: 7 Steps to Transform Ordinary Classroom Activities”
Edutopia, “Developing Student Leadership”
Indeed, What Is Experiential Learning? And How to Teach It
Inside Higher Ed, “The 10 Commandments of Experiential Learning”
Unrulr, “Why Is Experiential Education Important? A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Educators”
