The Experiential Method
The experiential method of teaching, otherwise referred to as the work-based learning method, involves the active, hands-on involvement of learners in their specific area of instruction. This type of teaching employs the use of real-world applications, scenarios, and activities to give learners a full spectrum of knowledge related to their subject matter.
In the classroom, the experiential method introduces students to their specialized subject in a more experiential way rather than through purely theoretical study. Such activities can range from problem-solving simulations, visits to the field sites related to their study, to physical activities related to the subject matter.
Rather than simply being lectured on what a subject is, students using the experiential method gain a sense of understanding and understanding of the material through applying it in practical activities. Practicing in a realistic setting helps to cement concepts and knowledge in the learners’ mind, leading to better understanding and enhanced retention.
Experiential teaching approaches provide hands-on application to a variety of topics, including math, science, and language arts, but the approach is particularly effective in the physical sciences and engineering disciplines, where physical models and experiments can illustrate abstract concepts.
Applications of the experiential method have extended beyond the traditional classroom. Examples include bringing in guest speakers to discuss success stories in industry and even having guest experts come in to give practical advice on job interview techniques. Community service activities, internships, and cooperative work experiences have become common elements in any experientially based curriculum to give students a broader view of the world around them.
The experiential method has many advantages and benefits over more theoretical approaches. First, it allows students to personalize their learning, making the material come alive for them. Students can engage in the material more in-depth, taking away more substantial information from their experience rather than simply memorizing concepts and ideas.
Second, experiential learning encourages students to become problem-solvers who can apply their skills in real-world settings. They can take complex problems and break them down into simpler parts, organizing and fabricating a strategy for solving them. Finally, experiential learning gives students a greater sense of accomplishment when they complete a project or finish a task.
The experiential method is an important component of any learning experience. By giving students the opportunity to actively engage with and apply the material they are learning, it provides them with an enriched and engaging learning experience that can give them an advantage in their future endeavors.
