Carl Rogers
Experiential Learning Theory
"If we value independence, if we are disturbed by the growing
conformity of knowledge, of values, of attitudes, which our present
system induces, then we may wish to set up conditions of learning which
make for uniqueness, for self-direction, and for self-initiated
learning."-Rogers
Experiential learning is the active process in which students learn information through discovery and exploration. It is a student centered approach, addressing each student's needs and wants. Learning happens from both successes and mistakes, and helps students develop new skills, attitudes, and problem solving techniques. Rogers introduced the idea of two different types of learning in this theory: cognitive and experiential. Cognitive learning involves memorization and learning facts, such as vocabulary. Experiential knowledge meets the needs and interests of the learning, with a focus in hands on experience and real world situations.
Key Terms:Experience:
The nature of events someone has undergone previously that has influenced their current understanding or way of thinking Students will perform a hands on/minds on experience with little or no help from the instructor. The key factor is what the student learns from the experience, rather than the quality of the experience itself. Reflective Observation: The act of looking back to the now completed experience and their discoveries from it, and relating it to past experiences, which in turn, can be used and applied for future experiences. Processing/ Analyzing: The discussion involved when students reflect on their experience, including: How it was carried out, what themes, problems, or issues emerged, and how those issues were solved. Generalizing: Students connect the experience with real world examples, find common truths in the experience, and identify real world principles that emerged Application: Students are given a new situation or problem in which they are required to apply their new understandings in order to solve the problem or come up with more effective solutions. |
Experiential Learning: In Action
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Application of Experiential Learning In The Classroom
Lesson Planning
- The teacher must keep in mind that he or she will be acting as a facilitator to guide the direction of the lesson, rather than the traditional source of knowledge that clearly directs the process of learning.
- Choose a learning experience that will challenge students to further develop problem solving skills, use cooperative and collaborative skills, and will lead to self-discovery and mastery through self-reflection.
- The teacher must decide what the students will learn or gain from the learning experience. In doing so, the teacher must also tie the learning experience to the learning objectives and standards. The teacher will then have to determine the logistics of the learning experience (i.e. materials needed, amount of time allotted, pre planned questions, etc)
- The teacher should have a clear way of assessing each student's understanding.
- Easy subjects to practice experiential learning with: Science, Engineering, Technology, Art
Engineering & Technology: Through STEM challenges, such as using house hold items to build specific structures
Art: Assess the students understanding of an Artist's style by creating an original piece in the same style & explain their process
The History of Experiential Learning
Roger’s theory of experiential learning was devised based
on his views of psychotherapy and humanistic psychology. Roger
believed it was important to include feelings and emotions into
education. He further believed the goals of education should be changed to include personal change
and self-knowing. Thus, Rogers had a keen interest in learning that
leads to personal growth and development, which became the basis of his
theory.
In addition to Carl Rogers, John Dewey and David Kolb have also provided significant contributions to the development of the experiential learning theory. Dewey prompted the concept of "Learning By Doing", which emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking as opposed to rote learning and memorization. Similarly, Kolb contended that "concrete learning experiences are vital to learning".
Experiential Theory in Contemporary Education
Experiential learning is a highly effective teaching method that is widely used in contemporary education. It is highly used in the fields of math, science, art, and technology but nevertheless, experiential learning can occur in any subject.
Math: The use of manipulatives fosters a hands on learning experience for students in which they learn mathematical concepts and processes using concrete objects to foster understanding and application.
Science: Hands on learning activities can be implemented in a variety of ways, and in most classrooms today, there is a new emphasis on "inquiry based science". Students are taking a more active role in their understanding, and teachers are cultivating a creative and critically thinking group of students.
The recent incorporation of STEM into education has fostered several experiential learning opportunities for students in both the math and science classes, but also in the technology class as well.
Fun Fact!
Corporate sectors, both public and private, have also pursued a keen interest in experiential learning for team building programs since experiential learning fosters the development of communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively in teams!
Math: The use of manipulatives fosters a hands on learning experience for students in which they learn mathematical concepts and processes using concrete objects to foster understanding and application.
Science: Hands on learning activities can be implemented in a variety of ways, and in most classrooms today, there is a new emphasis on "inquiry based science". Students are taking a more active role in their understanding, and teachers are cultivating a creative and critically thinking group of students.
The recent incorporation of STEM into education has fostered several experiential learning opportunities for students in both the math and science classes, but also in the technology class as well.
Fun Fact!
Corporate sectors, both public and private, have also pursued a keen interest in experiential learning for team building programs since experiential learning fosters the development of communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively in teams!
Supporting The Experiential Theory Through Research
Research has been in support of this theory for much longer than Rogers has even been alive. The popular saying, " I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand" is actually an ancient Chinese proverb.
More recently, however, the emphasis on STEM, high use of SMART boards and other SMART technologies in the classroom, and the value we place on Internships & Study Abroad opportunities, show the true value of experiential learning. Research has time and time again shown that when students are given the chance to be actively involved in their own learning, they not only take ownership, yet they are more likely to develop the skills and attributes that will make them successful life-long learners. Experiential learning is at the base of all these ideas. |
This study found Project-Based Learning, or Experiential Learning, because of its emphasis on student autonomy, collaborative learning, and assessments based on authentic performances, are seen to maximize students' orientation toward learning.
This study explored the crucial importance of experience to making meaning.It found the traditional school models were "backwards" in the sense they are focused on the teacher and the textbook as the main source of knowledge.
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Resources for further information
& Sources for provided content
http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/guide/strategies/experiential_learning.pdf
http://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/experiental-learning.html
https://principlesoflearning.wordpress.com/dissertation/chapter-3-literature-review-2/the-human-perspective/freedom-to-learn-rogers-1969/
Photo from: http://www.thewholeclassroom.com/2014/11/14/what-todd-learned-in-his-classroom-management-class/
http://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/experiental-learning.html
https://principlesoflearning.wordpress.com/dissertation/chapter-3-literature-review-2/the-human-perspective/freedom-to-learn-rogers-1969/
Photo from: http://www.thewholeclassroom.com/2014/11/14/what-todd-learned-in-his-classroom-management-class/