Experiential Learning Theory (ELT)

1. Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) Stephen Dudley Virginia Manfre Michelle Sampson

2. Aspects of ELT • Focus: Individuals learn best by experience • Learning by doing • Has learner directly involved with the material being studied instead of just talking about the material

3. Utilizes participants’ own experience and their own reflection about that experience • Experiential learning is the learners experience, and no one else’s • More Knowledgeable Others (MKO) may be used

4. Experiential learning addresses the needs and wants of the learner ELT is more likely to result in personal change and growth The ELT model for learning can be viewed as a cycle consisting of two distinct continuums, apprehension-comprehension and intension-extension.

5. Video Example of ELT • Caption: The movie begins with an example of non-experiential learning by showing a student snoozing while listening to a lecture. In the initial phase of the good example, the subject is making an organized list of steps needed to make a video for a work-related project. The subject continues by experimenting and making decisions about camera operations with the help of a more knowledgeable other. In the action phase, the subject is refining the sound portion of the video. Afterwards, the subject reviews the finished product for necessary editing. The subject and crew are viewing the finished product using a notepad to reflect upon their experience. This video was created by Mary Barbee, Allison Hanson, Virginia Manfre, and Sandra Turner (2004) • Video from Ebook: http://www.coe.uga.edu/epltt/elt.htm

6. 4 Step Process: • Setting goals, thinking & planning • Experimenting and decision making • Action • Observing, reflecting & reviewing

7. ELT Cycle

8. PROS Builds on experience Holistic learning approach Most effective when learning has intrinsic motivation CONS Does not take into account differences in cultural experiences, conditions, or subjective reality Less clear where goals, purpose, and intentions fit into the experiential learning theory May not help to understand or explain changeand new experiences.

9. References • Orey, M. (2001-2002). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology: Experiential learning. Found at http://www.coe.uga.edu/epltt/tableofcontents.htm • Oxendine, C., Robinson, J., & Willson, G. (2004). Experiential learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Available Website: http://www.coe.uga.edu/epltt/elt.htm. • Experiential Learning (C. Rogers) http://tip.psychology.org/rogers.html