Several definitions have been provided about Experiential learning (EL). The following provided definitions are not exhaustive, but they offer you a good overview of how experiential learning is conceptualized.

“Experiential Learning is a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with students in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify values”.

Source: Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. (2012). Experiential learning. In Instructional guide for university faculty and teaching assistants. Experiential Learning | Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning | Northern Illinois University

Experiential Learning has been also defined as “an engaged learning process whereby students ‘learn by doing’ and by reflecting on the experience”.

Source: BU Center for Teaching and Learning. (2024). Experiential Learning Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning

Experiential Learning is a dynamic approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice, enriching the educational experience and fostering a deeper understanding of subjects, unlocking unlimited potential for students’ soft skills development and civic engagement. A well-planned and successful experiential learning activity requires an alignment with the core principles that this approach features. Before going deeper and discovering the core elements a learning process should contain to be considered ‘experiential’, we encourage you to watch the following short video, serving as a useful source that explains visually what EL entails.

This is Experiential Learning

Link of the video: This is Experiential Learning

Source: Kolb, Alice. “This is Experiential Learning”. Experience Based Learning Systems video, 2:59. April 15, 2020.

Disclaimer: The video was produced by EBLS (Experience Based Learning Systems), a research and development company working on theory and practice of experiential learning.

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Do you integrate experiential learning in your teaching? If yes, in which way(s)? If not, how would you envision doing this? (max. 400 characters)

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