The Power of Learning by Doing

Experiencing new things can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. However, did you know that you can learn more by simply doing? Welcome to the world of the experiential learning cycle.

In essence, the experiential learning cycle is a process that allows individuals to gain knowledge and skills by directly participating in an activity. This type of learning is often referred to as “learning by doing.” It involves four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.

The first stage of the experiential learning cycle is the concrete experience. This stage refers to the actual hands-on experience of an activity. For instance, if you are learning how to ride a bike, your concrete experience would involve being on the bike.

The second stage is reflective observation. After experiencing the activity, it is important to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. In the bike example, you may reflect on how wobbly you were at first or how you struggled to maintain balance.

The third stage is abstract conceptualization. This phase refers to processing the information gathered during the previous stages and forming a plan of action for the future. Back to the bike example, during this stage, you might think about strategies for balancing without wobbling and making the turning process more efficient.

Finally, the last stage is active experimentation, where you test out the plan developed during the abstract conceptualization stage. In the bike case, this would involve getting back on the bike and attempting to implement your new strategies.

The experiential learning cycle is not only an effective way to gain knowledge and skills, but it is also one that feels more natural and intuitive. Most people start learning this way from a very young age. Babies learn to walk through trial and error, continually trying until they achieve success.

There are many advantages to learning through the experiential learning cycle, including:

1. Greater engagement: When learning is interesting and interactive, individuals are more likely to be invested in the process.
2. Immediate results: Instead of waiting for feedback on written assignments, for instance, learners receive feedback right away. This allows for a more hands-on, engaging experience.
3. More powerful retention: Because the experience is tied to the learning, knowledge tends to be better retained and is easier to recall in future situations.
4. Flexibility: Experiential learning can be applied to both formal educational settings and informal or everyday activities.
5. Better application skills: You learn more than just knowledge during an experiential learning cycle. You also put your skills to practical use in the real world.

As with anything, there are also some limitations to this type of learning. For instance, some argue that the experiential learning cycle does not work very well with large groups. Others criticize it for being too time-consuming or that it doesn’t take into account different learning styles and needs. However, when done correctly, the benefits of experiential learning often far outweigh the drawbacks.

The experiential learning cycle has practical applications in many fields, such as education, business, and even personal development. It was widely employed by influential thinkers, including John Dewey, who believed that education shouldn’t be as sterile and removed from everyday life as it often is.

One example of experiential learning in action is business simulations. These simulations provide learners with a situation similar to one they would encounter in the real world without the significant consequences of making the wrong choices. It also allows learners to experiment with different options to see what works and what doesn’t.

The experiential learning cycle is a powerful tool for gaining knowledge and building skills. Though it may not be ideal for every situation, it can be highly engaging and effective when implemented correctly. By fostering a learning-by-doing approach, individuals can unlock their full potential and find success in a variety of fields. So next time you’re trying to learn something new, consider engaging in the experiential learning cycle.