Experiential learning approach is a technique of learning that ensures that all participants are actively involved through giving them a chance to try new things and reflect on the experience that they get. It allows learners to learn through being challenged, gaining an experience and then being able to reflect and apply what they have learnt and thus leads to growth in learning. The approach combines direct practice with reflections that are focused, enables individuals to learn through past knowledge as well as experiences. The learners are expected to be actively involved in construction of meaning the things they experience and are encouraged to collaborate as well as exchange ideas ad perceptions on things. The experiential learning approach comprises of four cycles that allow students to fully understand the introduced concepts. The first cycle includes concrete experience which involves trying new things, encountering challenges and being able to step out of the comfort zone. The other phase involves reflection observation which includes thinking about the experience that on has had and determining what activities were carried out the right way and those that could be improved. In the third phase one is expected to understand the defining characteristics of the experience through deciding on the occurrences that could have been done differently and planning the strategies that could bring success in learning. Finally, the last phase includes active experimentation which involves testing the action plan that had been set up.

Using the topic which our group is required to design “Food handling and preparation”, the instructor could begin by introducing the topic and then requiring students to practically develop some food handling and preparation techniques which they believe were used in Canada. In this exercise, the students would be expected to prepare and handle certain foods and write down step by step processes of what they would do (Singh, 2017). Having completed the exercise, they would share their experiences and then be able to hear what other did. In this stage, the students would reflect on their experience as well as that of others to establish the thing they would have done differently. In the third stage, the instructor should elaborate further on these experiences and allow students to develop better strategies of preparing and handling the foods they had chosen. After the student list the process steps, then they would be expected to try the out the processes to validate the accuracy of their details. In addition, the instructor ought to offer closure on the topic by explaining to the students the expectations they should meet.

References

Singh, A. (2017). A New Approach to Teaching Biomechanics Through Active, Adaptive, and Experiential Learning. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 139(7). Retrieved from https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/biomechanical/article-abstract/139/7/071001/371331

Behaviouralist, cognitivist, or constructivist are the three most practical and efficient learning methods. These learning methods can help people have a clearer understanding of new knowledge and can accept that knowledge faster.

First of all, different language environments are a big challenge for me. As an international student, when I came to Victoria in the first year, different languages and learning styles had some impact on me. At that time, I deeply remember a section of social science that helped me a lot. Since there were many international students in that class, the professor intended to pair each international student and local student in a group. This decision has forced international students to communicate with local students a lot, which has greatly helped our speaking ability. Also, most local students are willing to communicate with us and help us, although there are some difficulties in communication between us. The reason why I enjoy this learning process is that this grouping not only made me the first Canadian friend but also made me feel the friendliness and kindness of the people here.

Constructivism is one of the most effective ways of learning in my mind. When I was still in the language center, I was taught some information about Salmon reflow by using a study method which called constructivist. In order to give us a clearer understanding of salmon reflow; the English teacher took us to a field trip. The guide there not only explained the reasons for the return of salmon, the route, and the process of fish seedling growth. To give us a better understanding of salmon’s body structure, the tour guide even dissected a salmon that had just died. I was very impressed with the travel experience. If I only learned through books or videos, my impression of salmon return would definitely not be clear.

Hi there, I’m Alex Liang. I’m born and raised in Beijing, China. It’s my third year studying economics. I’m thinking of minoring education since I’m interested in teaching children K-12. Learning design looks like a fun class to take! Looking forward to working with all of you! 🙂