Experiential training is an active methodology since it places the lived experience (Erlebnis) of each learner at the center, as a function of new knowledge to be learned.
Since everyone learns in a meaningful way only what is related to their previous knowledge or the strengthening of the structure of the self (C. Rogers), it is essential to build a bridge between these and what will be learned.
Experiential education is a philosophy and a methodology in which educators/trainers intentionally involve learners in direct experience by focusing on reflection to create knowledge, develop skills and clarify values.
According to Plato, who in Phaedrus emphasizes the importance of the erotic dimension (ta-erotikà) of learning, it is essential to arouse the emotions in learners and meet their feelings, the direct participation (methexis), since it is a fundamental condition for the acquisition of knowledge (knowing, knowing how to do, knowing how to be) which, inevitably, passes through Love.
Starting from the learning model of Carl Rogers, who emphasizes previous experiences and experience as a source of acquiring new experiences, and the theoretical work of Kurt Lewin, Kolb has summarized in a model a continuous and circular process divided into four phases:
- Concrete experience – Learners encounter a new experience or reinterprets an existing experience.
- Reflective observation – In this phase they reflect on the simulated activity and interpret what emerged from the experience.
- Abstract conceptualization – The acquired information is schematized to be contextualized and applied in one’s own reality.
- Active experimentation – In this phase, the verification and implementation of the new acquired knowledge takes place, generating a new concrete experience.
Experiential learning methodologies:
- Adventure to operate in unknow contexts where it is easier to indulge is spontaneous action and consequent learning;
- Metaphor to link the proposed activities with work, organizational and daily life contexts;
- Reflection applied to everyone’s behavior, it allows to exchange reflections and feedback;
- Involvement to foster learning and effective change;
- Transferability to the personal and professional context of the people involved, in which the concept of applicability to professional practice is enhanced.
Methods and activities of experiential training
- “A minute of silence” Offer students a minute of silence to gather ideas, increase concentration, or to change the subject and encourage reflection.
- “Role Playing/Simulation/Games” Students and teacher take on specific roles and organize a performance for a demonstration purpose. Simulations and games could include guiding principles, specific rules and structured relationships.
- “5 facts”: Present five real facts, three of which are true and two are false, but plausible. Report the five cases on a sheet to be distributed to the groups or on a slide and organize the discussion work first in small groups then in plenary. When finished, submit the correct answers and discuss.
- “Case study”: Students relate to a presented scenario that requires their integration, extension and discussion, trying to solve problems related to the course contents.
- “LEGO Serious Play”: It is a method finalized at developing thinking, communication and solving complex business management problems through the use of the LEGO construction game. The goal is to foster creative thinking through team building activities based on the use of LEGO bricks to create metaphors of one’s own organizational identity and experiences. Participants work through imaginary scenarios using LEGO bricks, which is why this type of activity is called “serious play “.
- “Company theater”: It is about the representation of concepts, themes and organizational dynamics through theatrical interpretation. Overcoming emotional barriers, this methodology develops communicative and expressive skills, improves mastery and self control.
- “Orienteering”: Orienteering is a classic outdoor, multi sensory and exploratory activity.
- “Team Sports”: The different sports metaphors are characterized by stronger involvement of the participants on the physical level, as well as on the cognitive and emotional.
Authorship
Nicola Battistutta, Nicola Bianchi, Enrico Nichele, 2021.