Teamscapes Business Development Manager, Sean Coxon, has written a great blog here about experiential learning and why it's so powerful.
"I hear, I know. I see, I remember. I do, I understand." Confucius, China's most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist, 551-479 BC
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential Learning is hands on, practical and functional learning that you can see, touch and sometimes even taste but possibly more importantly experiential learning gives the opportunity to review and reflect on the learning.
You may notice I am avoiding using the phrase ‘Team Building’ after all, experiential learning isn’t just about getting teams together to learn how to communicate better. It’s so much more;
- Inspiring team dynamics
- Breaking down silo mentalities
- Coping with conflict
- Creating or delivery strategy
- Developing and introducing graduates or apprentices into the workplace
- Fostering innovation
- Understanding and developing leadership
- Bringing company visions and values alive
- Supporting and embracing change
- Demonstrating ROI in team development
- Bringing to life the theory of psychometric profiles
There are several fundamental reasons why experiential learning is the future of learning. These are my favourites:
Fast Track Learning
Learning by doing is such a powerful tool to generate fast results because it allows the learner to put into practice the skills learned before they go back into the work place.
How many people read a manual before getting into a car and learning to drive? It’s not practical or efficient. You need someone to show you the functions in the car but the only way to learn, is to do it and by doing it you learn quicker.
“For the things we have to Learn, before we can do them we learn by doing them.” - Aristotle, Greek Philosopher
Learning Without Fear of Failure
Knowledge is a powerful thing but only when applied correctly and the way to correctly apply your newly acquired knowledge is to practice. The benefits of practicing immediately after learning, in a safe environment where mistakes can be made and rectified or further learning applied is imperative to successful outcome.
“You don't learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.” Richard Branson, Business Tycoon
Return on Investment
Experiential learning offers a practical engagement between the delegate and the Facilitator and it stands to reason that an engaged delegate is also a retentive delegate. The personal nature of Experiential learning induces feelings and emotions which goes way beyond traditional classroom methods.
“Tell me and I forget, Teach me and I remember, Involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States
Now it would be remiss of me to tell you all of this and not offer a practical and functional way of demonstrating it to you. Teamscapes is an innovative team building company, designed to help your people do what they do, better. Our diverse range of team development activities use experiential learning to help your business overcome challenges.
We offer complimentary taster days so you can experience our activities first hand and learn how you can benefit from Experiential Learning.
The final word………..
"Swimming cannot be learned by reading about it." Henry Mintzberg, Management Guru
