Teachers
๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒMay 8, 2024
I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand. ~ Confucius, 450 BC
These timeless words lie at the heart of experiential learning, a concept that is gaining prominence following the emphasis on โlearning by doingโ in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As an educator, you’ve likely encountered this phrase reflecting the essence of experiential learning.
Let’s explore the enriching realm of โExperiential Learningโ in the context of modern education.
What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning is a teaching and learning methodology that emphasizes acquiring knowledge and skills through direct and practical experience. This approach to learning is grounded in the belief that students learn best when they are engaged in hands-on, real-world activities that enable them to apply classroom learning to authentic situations.
Letโs simplify it with the help of an example.
Imagine that you are learning to bake a cake. You could read a recipe, picturing the steps in your mind โ the โhear and forgetโ or โsee and rememberโ stage. However, with experiential learning, you actively dive in. You measure the ingredients, mix the batter, observe changes, and savour the aroma as it bakes. Tasting the final product not only gives you a delicious cake but a profound understanding of the baking process.
Experiential learning, in this case, involves hands-on participation, engaging multiple senses, and deeper comprehension as compared to merely reading a recipe.
Importance of experiential learning for students:
Experiential learning goes beyond memorization, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as a deeper understanding of concepts. In the Indian context, where the focus has traditionally been on examinations and results, embracing experiential learning can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Here are its key benefits:
Curriculum Alignment: Identify key concepts within the curriculum that can be enriched through experiential learning. Align the activities with learning objectives to ensure seamless integration of theory and practice.
Continuous Assessment: Integrate assessment strategies that gauge academic understanding along with the application of knowledge in real-life situations. This could include project presentations, group discussions, and reflective journals.
Professional Development: Enhance teachersโ skills in facilitating and designing experiential learning activities. Taking advantage of the best practices and experiences can empower them to introduce innovative approaches in the classroom.
Approaches to implementing experiential learning:
In conclusion, by embracing experiential learning, educators pave the way for students to not only hear and see but most importantly, to do and understand. The shift from passive observation to active participation is not merely a pedagogical evolution; it’s a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Saloni Sacheti is a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of experience in the rapidly evolving publishing industry. She is passionate about driving educational reforms through innovation that enable enhanced classroom learning. Her expertise lies in devising and implementing innovative educational strategies using advanced technologies to create impactful marketing campaigns that resonate well with all stakeholders of the education industry. Her strong understanding of the Indian education landscape and the growing need of future learners make her an invaluable asset to the thriving education sector.
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