Diversity study circles in teacher education practice: An experiential learning project

This paper addresses the dilemma of trying to prepare primarily white preservice teachers for educational arenas in which they will interface with students of colour and many who are socially disadvantaged. This paper describes how diversity study circles can be integrated as integral to education that is multicultural in the development of preservice teachers’ critical self-reflection as a bridge to developing a critical lens for classroom practice and a democratic society.     

On the teaching and evaluation of experiential learning in a conventional university setting

The notion of experiential learning emphasizes the personal experience of the learner. In this article, I describe my approach to making learning a more personal experience for students on a conventional university course. I focus on modeling of behaviour and attitudes by the teacher, clear communication, attention to process, and collaboration in learning. Evaluation can be formative (to facilitate learning) or summative (for assessment). I describe a number of methods which I have used in the formative evaluation of experiential learning. In general, I try to maximize feedback to all participants (including myself) having first created an atmosphere where defences can be lowered and the feedback heard. Finally, I consider summative evaluation, which presents considerable, but not insuperable, difficulties.     

大学生体验式学习过程与方式倾向性研究

目的评估个体在体验学习四种学习环节的侧重以及个体的四种基本学习方式取向.方法通过随机分层抽样抽取我校2007、2008、2009级共6个专业的509名本科学生进行调查,其中男生92人,女生417人.四种学习环节的侧重以及个体学习方式的评估采用<体验学习方式量表>.结果1)不同专业学生体验学习量表各维度的得分比较在抽象概括(P=0.000)、具体体验(P=0.044)和抽象概括-具体体验(P=0.010)维度比较具有显著性意义;2)不同专业学生四种基本学习方式的分布具有显著性意义(P=0.001);3)男生与女生在体验学习量表抽象概括(P=0.009)和抽象概括-具体体验(P=0.036)在各专业比较具有显著性意义,男生与女生四种基本学习方式的分布具有显著性意义(P=0.010).结论本研究表明不同专业学生在体验学习的四种学习环节具有不同的侧重以及个体的四种基本学习方式具有不同的倾向.本研究可以认为是对体验学习理论的实证研究.     

Designing experiential modes: A key focus for immersive learning environments

Summary Learning Environments (LEs) are ways of applying epistemology, pedagogy, methodology and instructional strategy at a macro level that lead naturally to their own development (Hannafin & Hill, 2005). Experiential Modes (EMs) are components of a learning environment that focus on the learner’s perception while experiencing any experiential mode, and through a micro analysis bridges the gap between instructional development and learner cognition. Although Instructional Design has already turned toward a more learnercentered approach, the entire development process must also embrace the learner’s experience as it focuses on providing rich EMs that are created through an emergent and dynamic development process. The design strategy of focusing on EMs for development resonates with new virtual technologies since their experiential components are so high. The engaging video game industry has captured the imagination and social focus of young adults and children around the world, and this has impacted their expectations and also the learning potential for simulations and games with more serious purposes than entertainment. Using learner experience as the touch-stone for design is the common ground for both traditional educators and those designers attempting to incorporate complex gaming and simulation environments into educational contexts (Crawford, 1984; Prensky, 2001; Gee, 2003; Salen & Zimmerman, 2004).     

Metaphor and Totem: Exploring and evaluating prior experiential learning

The evaluation and recognition of prior experiential learning is now well established. A significant issue in such evaluations has been the centrality of the learner and his/her empowerment in the educational process. However, most models of evaluation require equivalency between the unique experiences of the subject and existing course analogues. In these models evaluation is based on metaphor, on finding varying degrees of similarity between the experience being assessed and currently existing academic structures. The present paper calls for a richer perspective to be taken in assessing prior experiential learning with particular interest being seen in the notion of totemism as characterised by anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss. A replacement of metaphor by totemism may restore power, ownership and centrality of the experience to the candidate for assessment, while allowing evaluators an opportunity to engage in a novel but authentic articulation of the underlying academic equivalency of the experience.     

Voices behind the walls: female offenders and experiential learning

This research highlights the learning of female offenders on a 20-day tailor-made experiential adventure education course (Women in Action) delivered by Outward Bound New Zealand. The aims of the course were to increase self-awareness, to develop an understanding of the concept of choice and self responsibility, to improve communication skills and to effectively influence others. Twenty-seven women were interviewed immediately after the course and 14 of these, three months post-course. Most women indicated that their self-confidence had increased and they had become more self-aware. Key factors in facilitating learning opportunities for the women were the instructors and the course environment both physical and social. The holistic course approach provided physical, creative, emotional and reflective opportunities, enabling all the women to develop personally. The challenge of applying their learning on return to prison was highlighted by some participants.

Never did I think that

My life could be changed

In so many ways.

But the challenges I've faced

From being here Lord I Know

That I can make it.

Cos I gotta keep on

Moving on in life

Won't let my spirit fall

Walk on walk on.

Some people tell me

I'd never change.

But now I've seen the light

More clear in every kind of way

I'm alive today

No more worries on my shoulders

I'm gonna make it

Oh yes I am.

Cos I gotta keep on

Moving on in life

Won't let my spirit fall

Walk on walk on.

(Poem by T - Women in Action participant)

     

Utilitarian and experiential aspects in acceptance models for learning technology

Educational technology research and development - Identifying and understanding factors influencing the adoption of a specific technology in various educational settings is critical for maximizing...     

Assessment guiding learning: developing graduate qualities in an experiential learning programme

As industry demands increase for a new type of graduate, there is more pressure than ever before for higher education (HE) to respond by cultivating and developing students who are prepared for these workplace challenges. This paper explores an innovative experiential learning programme built on the principles of work-related learning that develops students to attain graduate qualities for competitiveness in the business sector. The role and importance of assessment as a core influence for learning is recognised and embedded into the programme, as well as the prevalence of meeting the needs of its stakeholders. Issues concerning assessing work-oriented learning are explored as well as what assessment methods might be most appropriate for enhancing and evaluating learning in this context. Feedback from stakeholders on the structure of the programme and its assessment are discussed as well as the question of how to maintain work-related programmes in HE. If such programmes continue to focus assessment and design around student learning, students will not only have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical context, they will also be maximising their personal learning outcomes with the added advantage of being better equipped to compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace.     

The twin-cycle experiential learning model: reconceptualising Kolb's theory

Experiential learning styles remain popular despite criticisms about their validity, usefulness, fragmentation and poor definitions and categorisation. After examining four prominent models and building on Bergsteiner, Avery, and Neumann's suggestion of a dual cycle, this paper proposes a twin-cycle experiential learning model to overcome identified problems and integrate the experiential learning field. In the model, an initial response to a learning stimulus or intent occurs at the intersection of a concrete/active/primary learning cycle and an abstract/passive/secondary cycle. The model accommodates four classes of variables that describe six broad learning activity types (engage in, write about, observe, hear/see, read, hear), the three senses these activities predominantly engage (kinaesthetic, visual, aural), six learning modes (concrete, active, primary, abstract, passive, secondary) and four learning stages. Importantly, instead of assigning learning modes to stages of learning as Kolb does, the model assigns them to the two cycles as a whole.     

International education: the transformative potential of experiential learning

Academic outcomes of post-16 education can be understood in terms of their value for gaining access to university and, at a time when global educational mobility is growing, internationally recognised university entrance qualifications may be considered a form of personal capital. However, narrowly measured outcomes may not reflect the breadth of the school experience nor the extent to which this breadth contributes to the development of the young person. One curriculum which aims to prepare students in ways that extend beyond the academic is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which incorporates an experiential element at its core. Creativity, Activity, Service attaches a transformative purpose to education, where students’ experiences in each of the three strands can support personal learning that is not confined to subject areas of an academic curriculum. This paper describes the evolution of CAS in the academically rigorous Diploma Programme and presents the findings from a review of literature which contribute towards developing an understanding of the transformative potential of this component.     

The advising system: An alternative model related to the evaluation of self-directed learning

The proposed advising model focuses on creative learning. To operationalize such a model, there must be not only structural but behavioral changes in the existing system. This requires that professional educators have special concern for the quality of relationships between faculty and students. In a program which focuses on creative learning, most students need assistance in developing the understanding and skill necessary for creative learning. An alternative advising model is proposed, therefore, which enhances the behavioral requirements. The alternative model views the advising function as a teaching-consulting function with a priority goal of helping the student learn the art of self-evaluation as a prerequisite to life-long learning.     

Organizational planning and policy analysis: Combining theory with experiential learning

Planning is vital to the continued effectiveness of educational institutions. The course described in this paper succeeds in combining two crucial elements of a student's comprehension of the planning process: first, an overview of the strategic planning literature provides a theoretical underpinning; then, an experiential planning exercise reinforces and extends the student's appreciation for this complex process. This course focuses on the alternative futures approach to planning. This approach has the added benefits of linking a study of relevant developments in the real world, through the planning process, with strategy formulation for the simulated institution.He obtained his Ph.D. at the Florida State University in 1969. His research, writing, and teaching activities focus on using futures research methods in planning and policy analysis. David M. Brock is a doctoral student in higher education and a lecturer in business at North Carolina State University. His teaching and research activities focus on the areas of business strategy, consumer behavior, and applications of corporate strategic principles to colleges and universities.