History and Importance of Experiential Learning
While the idea that children learn better and remember more when they are actively engaged in hands-on experiences can trace its roots all the way back to noted American philosopher and education theorist John Dewey, it was not until the works of Lev Vygotsky, Kurt Lewin, Jean Piaget, Maria Montessori and, more recently, David Kolb that the term “Experiential Learning” became popularized. All did extensive research on the impact and value that hands-on, real-world experience has on student engagement and learning outcomes.
Today, as the pendulum swings away from skill-by-skill teaching and a reliance on rote memorization of facts, the value of Experiential Learning is more important than ever. Through this integrated approach to teaching, and learning, students are encouraged to see and understand the world around them and to make connections between different content disciplines in ways they may never have experienced before. Such an approach lends itself more than ever to incorporating authentic learning through the study of arts, sciences, culture, technology and history as they apply to the modern world.