WHAT IS
Experiential
Education?
Experiential education is a hands-on form of learning that begins with a
concrete experience. After solving a problem, learners reflect on the
process and are able to apply lessons more broadly to their lives.
ADVENTURE AND CHALLENGE
Adventure and challenge are at the heart of experiential learning as
they push the learner, student or client out of their comfort zone
and into the learning zone, where the greatest educational gains
can occur. These activities are carefully crafted by instructors to
provide the appropriate level of challenge for a group or individual.
APPLICATION TO LIFE
With the development of abstract thinking comes the
ability to theorize about concepts and apply ideas to
other areas. This includes a deeper understanding of
OBSERVATION AND REFLECTION interpersonal skills like collaboration, leadership and
creative problem-solving—all of which will positively
The learning doesn’t stop when the task is complete. influence their future performance in all aspects of life.
Afterwards, learners participate in guided activities and
discussions in order to help process their experience.
Thoughtful reflection is a crucial step in distilling their
experience into concrete learning outcomes.
ABSTRACT THINKING
Through observation and reflection, they begin to form
abstract ideas and theories based on their hands-on
experiences. This is an important element of true learning,
as now they are ready to apply these lessons to broader
‘real-life’ experiences—not just classroom examples.
PRINCIPLES OF EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION1
Experiential learning occurs when carefully chosen The educator3 and learner may experience success,
experiences are supported by reflection, critical failure, adventure, risk-taking and uncertainty,
analysis and synthesis. because the outcomes of experience cannot totally
be predicted.
Experiences are structured to require the learner
to take initiative, make decisions and be Opportunities are nurtured for learners and
accountable for results. educators to explore and examine their own values.
Throughout the experiential learning process, the The educator's primary roles include setting suitable
learner2 is actively engaged in posing questions, experiences, posing problems, setting boundaries,
investigating, experimenting, being curious, supporting learners, insuring physical and emotional
solving problems, assuming responsibility, being safety, and facilitating the learning process.
creative, and constructing meaning.
The educator recognizes and encourages
Learners are engaged intellectually, emotionally, spontaneous opportunities for learning.
socially, soulfully and/or physically. This
Educators strive to be aware of their biases,
involvement produces a perception that the
judgments and pre-conceptions, and how these
learning task is authentic.
influence the learner.
The results of the learning are personal and form
The design of the learning experience includes the
the basis for future experience and learning.
possibility to learn from natural consequences,
Relationships are developed and nurtured: learner mistakes and successes.
to self, learner to others and learner to the world
at large.
1. The priority or order in which each professional places these principles may vary.
2. There is no single term that encompasses all the roles of the participant within experiential education. Therefore, the term "learner" is meant to include student, client, trainee,
participant, etc.
3. There is no single term that encompasses all the roles of the professional within experiential education. Therefore, the term "educator" is meant to include therapist, facilitator,
teacher, trainer, practitioner, counselor, etc.
—Gass, M.A., Gillis, H.L., Russell, K.C. (2012). Adventure therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice. New York, NY: Routledge.
