Since David Kolb published his experiential learning theory in 1984, research has underscored the value of learning from experience. Experiential learning helps students engage in lesson content, make important connections and retain information. In fact, those benefits are why Realityworks’ founders created RealCare Baby® over two decades ago. They knew students would benefit more from an interactive robot baby than an egg or flour sack.
In fact, experiential learning benefits many learning styles, especially VARK learning styles like visual and kinesthetic modalities. Visual learners like to learn by seeing; charts, demonstrations, pictures and presentations all resonate. Kinesthetic learners prefer touching and feeling; hands-on lessons work best for them. Experiential learning can be beneficial for both of these learning styles – plus others.
Whatever their specific learning preference may be, today’s students crave interactive, real-world learning experiences. Here are 5 reasons experiential learning works, online or in the classroom.
Reason #1: It engages students
Students can do more than sit and listen while working with hands-on tools; they can collaborate and make connections, creating a more engaging and authentic learning experience.
Reason #2: It integrates realism into lessons.
Experiential learning enables teachers to bring real-world scenarios, activities and events into the learning environment to create long-lasting, meaningful understanding, especially when onsite
industry visits are not feasible
Reason #3: It helps facilitate critical thinking and reflection activities.
Students gain new levels of understanding by observing, applying critical thinking skills and creating their own interpretations of what they learned
Reason #4: It reaches the 65% of visual learners with demonstrations and interactions.
Whether online or in-person, demonstrations can aid in students’ visual understanding of concepts, processes and lessons.
Reason #5: It facilitates soft skill development.
Listening, problem-solving and communication among others are applied when taking part in learning by seeing and doing.
Learn more (and get a free experiential learning infographic):
Download a free infographic about experiential learning here.
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