Experimenting with Experiential Learning with Romy Alexandra - EP 13
Mar 8, 2023
auto_awesome
Join Romy and Beth as they explore experiential learning through sensory activities, emotions, and memories. They discuss the impact of liberating structures on learning outcomes and delve into the power of sensory experiences like taste, smell, and music. Get ready to engage in a unique learning journey!
Experiential learning merges experiences with reflection and action for impactful learning outcomes.
Engaging senses like sight, touch, smell, and taste enrich learning experiences and memory retention.
Facilitators should focus on creating opportunities for reflection, action, and sensory engagement in online learning experiences.
Deep dives
The Power of Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a process where knowledge results from combining grasping and transforming experiences. It involves reflection, drawing conclusions, and taking action. It taps into all the senses and emotions, leading to better memory retention and a holistic learning experience. The goal is to create engaging and impactful learning journeys that cater to diverse learning preferences.
Tapping Into the Senses
Engaging the senses in learning experiences is crucial. The sense of sight can be evoked by observing objects and surroundings. The sense of touch can be activated through intentional movements or stances that connect to desired emotions. The sense of smell can trigger memories and emotions, while the sense of taste can evoke various textures and flavors. Incorporating multisensory activities can enhance learning and create lasting connections.
Reflecting and Taking Action
Reflection and action are essential components of experiential learning. Providing time for silence and introspection allows learners to process and connect experiences. Reflection helps consolidate learning and draw insights. Encouraging participants to identify key takeaways and commit to actionable steps ensures that the learning is applied in practice. By striking a balance between grasping experiences and transforming them through reflection and action, facilitators can create transformative learning experiences.
Creating Engaging Online Experiences
Engaging the senses in online experiences is crucial, even without physical presence. Different strategies can be employed, such as using visuals, incorporating music or silence, encouraging participants to engage in sensory visualization exercises, and even sending materials that have specific smells or tastes. By intentionally designing and facilitating online experiences that tap into the senses, facilitators can create meaningful connections and impactful learning outcomes.
The Importance of Connection and Intentionality
Experiential learning is not just about the activities but also about creating moments for collective reflection and connection. Recognizing and valuing the life experiences that participants bring enhances learning outcomes. Facilitators should be intentional about incorporating diverse sensory experiences, reflections, and actions. By doing so, they empower learners to take ownership of their learning journey and create deeper connections.
In this episode, Beth and facilitator Romy Alexandra explore the topic of experiential learning. But they don't just talk about experiential learning, they actually do it! Romy and Beth each facilitate the other through several sense-based activities, then reflect on the experience. No matter where you are when you listen to this episode, you're invited to fully engage in this "experiment" in experiential learning.
Special notes:
Beth realized as she was playing a song during recording that she would break copyright if she aired the episode that way. So you'll hear a substitute song and an explanatory voiceover from Beth in that section. If you would like to hear the actual song Beth played for Romy, listen to Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard via the link below.
If you would like to share back with Romy and Beth a reflection or next step after your engagement with this episode, you are invited to make a comment on the Episode 13 post at facilitatingonpurpose.com.
