Experiential Training – Methodology and Effectiveness

What is Experiential Learning and what makes it more effective

  • Experiential learning in simple words is learning by doing, it’s hands-on learning where the concepts are put to practical use with an activity. that requires a high degree of interdependence to explore /understand 
  •  The experiential learning process supports performance improvement, learning and development..  
  •  Experiential learning is a powerful way to help people identify changes required to their skills, attitudes and behaviours, and then implement those changes for better performance.

 Experiential Learning methodology -How does this take place

David Kolb’s experiential learning cycle suggests there are 4 main stages of the learning cycle.

a) Concrete Experience – the concepts, facts, and information acquired through formal learning and past experience.

b) Reflective Observation–  the application of knowledge to a “real world” setting; 

c)Abstract Conceptualization–  the analysis and synthesis of existing knowledge and activity to create new knowledge 

d) Active experimentation – the discoveries need to be applied to experiment and understand the effectiveness.

Why Organisations are Employing Experiential Learning concepts

Experiential Learning methodology encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and decision making, and this accelerates learning. It also bridges the gap between theory and practice and gives employees an opportunity first-hand to apply what has been taught. This improves the retention of concepts and new ideas.  Facilitated and guided practice, reflection and evaluation are all essential components of this transformative method of learning.

 For organizations concerned with issues of inclusion, experiential learning can promote “the value of diversity with teamwork and collaboration. The activities are structured to bring in the essence of fellowship, ownership, accountability, common purpose, leadership and also reinforcing values. The environment offers a safe space to take risks and make mistakes.

 It implies that organisations must discover ways of offering significant but curated training so that the workforce is made capable of the betterment of the company. Experiential training sticks for longer than just a couple of moments; it puts the professionals at the very core of what they need to know.

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