Experiential learning over rote learning – the best way to excel in studies!

The theory of the ‘Learning Curve’ describes the relationship between memory and time; it says that during a lecture, if your memory rate is at 100% on day one, from the second day there is a 50-80% loss of whatever you have absorbed or learnt, which is reduced to 2-3% after 30 days.

The theory came up in 1885 but it is more relevant in today’s times where the average attention span has reduced considerably and learning capacity has reduced to just 140 characters!

The concept of ‘Experiential Learning’ can help overcome this situation! Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience, and is defined as "learning by doing".

Noble High is a school which follows the philosophy that experiential learning is the future of learning. It is one such good school in Gurgaon where learning by doing is given preference over mechanical learning. Here are a few reasons as to why experiential learning is the best:

Accelerates Learning

‘Experiential Learning’ or ‘Learning by Doing’ training methodology uses critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills of students. Traditional learning methods, on the other hand, slow down the absorption rate and give rise to a lack of interest in the subject.

Connects Theory with Practice

By moving beyond the ‘theory’ to the realm of ‘learning by doing,’ the students get a firsthand experience of practising what they have learnt in the classroom. This plays an important role in memorizing concepts and ideas. In a traditional learning environment, there is no established method to track if the students can apply the concepts and theory to practice.

Changes the Mindset

Experiential learning has a considerable impact on the student’s mindset as it involves learning the concept by doing. In today’s classrooms skills are taught in a traditional manner through the information in books without any practical skills. This approach is a waste of time and effort for the student.

Increases Engagement Levels

The stress is on collaboration and learning from each other; this benefits the students by increasing engagement and participation. In most traditional classroom learning environments students get bored and disinterested. They are there because they have to be there. Through experiential learning the participants are immediately involved in the problem solving activity in a classroom, the level of ownership of the outcome is high while in a rote learning environment it requires high levels of motivation to get students engaged in the classroom activity.

Accurate Assessment Results

Experiential learning when combined with simulations and practical application becomes a powerhouse of data, which can be used to deliver assessments results accurately with respect to cognitive learning, skills affect and objective results. Such analytics is not possible in traditional learning methods asthe assessments rarely provide any kind of insight into the impact of the concepts taught in a classroom.