Experiential learning in higher education. A student-centered teaching method that improves perceived learning.

Abstract

There is an interest in involving psychology students in early practical activities, which allow them to learn in a more meaningful and authentic way. In these instances, they must apply knowledge, solve problems and demonstrate professional skills associated with the graduate competencies that they are expected to achieve. The present work seeks to position experiential learning as a means to reach these goals. With this aim, an intervention on experiential learning with second year students from a developmental psychology course is presented, describing its design, implementation and assessment. The students observed and interviewed schoolchildren to determine an area of development in which they needed stimulation and enrichment for a healthy development. Then, they created a pedagogical tool to do so, testing its application on the same children sample. The results showed a positive perception from the students, teachers and beneficiaries of the proposal. Likewise, the students reported the perception of having learned more than in a subject in which this methodology is not used; this difference was statistically significant.

Teaching Contract Law Using Experiential Learning Methods

“…Fieldwork and clinical learning are non-simulated experiential learning activities that enhance the cognitive-intellectual aspects of the students (Villarroel et al, 2020). Fieldwork and clinical learning could take place as work-based learning, service-based learning, or cultural-based learning.…”

The Development of Virtual Professional Learning Community Platform with Experiential Design Thinking Process to Enhance Digital Teacher Competency

“…This process causes a changed level of behavior, attitude, and cognition on the part of the learner. In addition, it also provides opportunities to apply knowledge gained in real-life situations by simulating proper behaviors and procedures [24]. Experiential learning can be categorized into four steps: concrete experienceparticipation in specific situations, observing and immersing in an experience or a new situation, reflective observationreflection on the idea, understanding the significance of experience through observation, thinking, discussing with friends and accepting suggestions, abstract conceptualizationadvanced thinking skills to find a deeper understanding of the explicit knowledge and summarizing principles to come up with guidelines for self-application, and active experimentationapplying new knowledge to real-life situations to test or prove the theory [24], [39].…”

“…Process [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18] Experiential Learning Process [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24] [25], [39] Experiential Design Thinking Process [26], [27] 1. Empathize 4) The synthesis of the experiential design thinking process from relevant documents and research in international journals and databases by several researchers.…”

The Role of Grit on Students' Academic Success in Experiential Learning Context

“…Moreover, teachers should also provide emotional support by praising and identifying students' efforts to actively take part in diverse tasks. Besides, teachers must evaluate the achievements of the learning process as well as plan and observe each phase of the activity, providing feedback to learners (Villarroel et al, 2020 ). In this way, they are involved in the learning and try to work hard to perform well on the tasks.…”