223 - Demystifying Experiential Learning with Romy Alexandra
Jun 27, 2023
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Unpacking Experiential Learning with Romy Alexandra, focusing on collaborative and interactive training. Discussing the impact of seeing learners as vessels and the importance of 'struck' moments in learning. Exploring the blend of Experiential Learning and Open Space Technology for effective training. Emphasizing community, connection, and co-creation in training sessions, with trainers viewed as performative stars.
Experiential learning transforms experience into knowledge for effective training.
Trainers perform various roles in experiential learning to enhance the learning experience.
Designing online experiential courses requires catering to diverse learning preferences for holistic learning.
Deep dives
Experiential Learning and Open Space Technology
Experiential learning is essential for effective training, focusing on transforming experience into knowledge. The discussion delves into open space technology, created by Harrison Owen, resembling an unconference format where participants drive discussions. The principles of open space emphasize the value of flexibility, adapting to attendees as the 'right people', acceptance of unexpected outcomes, and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully.
Trainer Roles in Experiential Learning
The podcast explores different roles a trainer performs in experiential learning, including facilitator, subject matter expert, evaluator, and coach. The trainer guides learners through the experiential learning cycle comprising experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting. By embodying these varied roles, trainers can enhance the learning experience, encouraging active participation and application of knowledge.
Online Experiential Learning and Learning Preferences
The discussion addresses designing online experiential learning courses to engage learners effectively. It highlights the importance of catering to different learning preferences and developing learning flexibility. By challenging learners' comfort zones and incorporating diverse sensory experiences, courses can promote holistic learning and enhance retention. The focus is on encouraging active engagement, reflection, critical thinking, and practical application for a comprehensive learning experience.
The importance of balancing learning styles
Balancing learning styles is crucial to avoid overusing strengths, which can turn into weaknesses. The podcast discusses how finding a balance between initiating and analyzing learning styles can enhance work performance. For example, adapting flexibility along with structured planning is highlighted as a balance to strive for. Emphasizing the need for learning flexibility, the episode suggests mixing and matching different learning styles to optimize outcomes.
Creating inclusive and experiential learning environments
The podcast delves into creating inclusive spaces for diverse learners, including those with ADHD or autism. It stresses on co-creating learning experiences with participants and fostering psychological safety for open communication. By focusing on individual needs through surveys and questions, facilitators can tailor experiences to enhance engagement. The importance of asking open-ended questions to explore participants' experiences and avoid leading questions is highlighted for effective experiential learning.
Romy Alexandra is a one-woman revolution in Experiential Learning, driven by a passion for turning dull events into genuinely memorable and long-lasting trainings.
Combining the principles of Experiential Learning with the ‘unconference’ tool of Open Space Technology, Romy is at the forefront of the interactive and collaborative learning space.
The way she brings disparate threads and dry content together, parsing them through her creative mind and powerful approaches, is a true marvel.
Enjoy this episode and learn how Romy creates collaborative, emergent, effective training that puts ego aside and brings everybody together — and how you can, too.
Find out about:
Why seeing learners as vessels is antithetical to effective training
What Experiential Learning and Open Space Technology are and how Romy brings them together in her work
Why a feeling of being ‘struck’ by new information is critical to making learning experiential
How prioritising community and connection can make any course experiential
Why co-creation is a byproduct of shared ownership and how to prioritise it
Why Romy sees trainers as actors — role-changing, shape-shifting, performative stars
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