What is Experiential Learning?

“There are two goals in the experiential learning process. One is to learn the specifics of a particular subject, and the other is to learn about one’s own learning process.” - David A. Kolb

Based upon the work of David Kolb and other leading researchers on learning, experiential learning is a method that describe how people learn from the world around them. It is grounded in six basic principles:

1. A learning outcome is not an endpoint. The learning process will continue even after the learning outcome is achieved.
2. When we learn something new, we modify or dispose of things that we previously learned.
3. Effective learners can find balance in the learning cycle.
4. Learning never ends and happens in all stages of life.
5. When learners and the environment interact, both are changed.
6. The learning process in every field is different and requires different skills.

Experiential learning is a method of learning with which almost everyone has experience. For example, have you ever found a new recipe to try out for dinner? You cook the food based on the recipe but discover that it isn’t your cup of tea. You reflect on why you didn’t enjoy the food. You think the reason might be that it wasn’t spicy enough for you. You already know you really like spicy food. Maybe you decide to tweak the recipe to be more to your liking by using more spices. The next time you use the recipe you add in more spices and it is so good that you find yourself making it regularly.

Without even realizing it, you have moved through the four cyclical phases of experiential learning. These four phases are:

1. Having an experience
2. Reflecting on the experience
3. Thinking about and learning from the experience
4. Acting upon the new knowledge gained from the experience

Kolb’s theory of experiential learning also places importance on the ways a person uses and moves through the experiential learning cycle. Identifying learning styles is important to the learner, so that they understand how they learn and how it might change depending on the learning situation. It is also important to understand the learning styles of others, so that collaboration during the experiential learning cycle is positive. More can be learned about Kolb’s learning styles here: https://leadchangegroup.com/whats-your-style/

UTA Libraries has a team of experiential learning librarians who would love to support faculty in creating experiential learning curriculum for any course. The experiential learning team also coordinates experiential learning and social events, both virtual and in-person. Check out all the events at the library and follow us on Facebook for more information:

• The Studio
• Community Desk
• The Basement

• Institute of Experiential Learning. (2020). What is experiential learning? https://experientiallearninginstitute.org/resources/what-is-experiential-learning/
• McLeod, S. (2017). Kolb’s learning styles and experiential learning cycle. https://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html
• Peterson, K. (2021). What’s your style? https://leadchangegroup.com/whats-your-style/