The Experiential Learning method first immerses students in an experience and then encourages reflection about the experience to develop new skills, new attitudes, or new ways of thinking and speaking the language. People remember about 90% of what they do, they tend to remember only 10 % of what they read about: for this reason this method is particularly important to remember grammar and words (in association with the experience) improving dialogue and confidence during conversation.
Experiential learning stages
EXPOSURE
A topic is introduced, students reflect on their own experiences and relate the topic to their personal learning goals.
PARTICIPATION
Students become personally engaged as they participate in an activity, either in the classroom or outside.
INTERNALIZATION
Students reflect on their participation in the activity and discuss potential effects on their future behavior or attitudes.
DISSEMINATION
Students apply and present their learning, linking
it with the world outside the classroom.
Advantages
- Use of multiple senses can increase retention of what is learned
- Multiple teaching/learning methods can be integrated to maximise creativity and flexibility
- Student-centered learning becomes the focus
- The process of discovery of knowledge and solutions builds competence and confidence
- Learning is more fun for both students and teachers
- If students are more actively engaged in learning, they have a greater stake in the outcome of what they learn
- Students can learn life skills that will be used over and over