Experiential Learning

Abstract

This study focuses on the need of “Experiential learning” in school learning process and its long- term benefits. Experiential Learning enhances the practical application of the knowledge and skill to develop competence. It can be effectively used in school learning, higher education, and other areas of educational learning. It shifts the child from rote learning to learning by doing and through illustrative experiences. This is very important in view of the demands of the present situation and the future in the wake of changes due to technological and research revolution in the field of robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality etc. In order to live up to these demands and changes, the Union Cabinet of Indian Government has approved the New Education Policy (NEP) on 29th July 2020. NEP focuses on Experiential Learning methods which will enhance the learning by doing, abolish rote learning methods and minimize the fear of examinations from the minds of learners.
Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, though explains the different stages of learning in students, but it is silent on how to provide concrete experiential learning based on the type of content especially in school curriculum. The New Experiential Learning Model, that is “Content Based Experiential Learning Model” (CBELM) well explains how to give content-based experiences to learners at the school level and how to teach various projectable and non- projectable topics. Due to its futuristic approach and providing various experiences i.e., concrete and illustrative based on the content of the different subjects, CBELM is strongly recommended in the school learning process