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Experiential Learning
Main Feature
the experience, which in turn makes the role of the facilitator being to stimulate, behaviours around team development
learning much more memorable. but not instruct, the learner. His theory is and leadership that can be taught,”
concerned with empowering the learner adds Adrian.
These ‘live’ activities build on skills through to take control of their own learning, by
the concept of an unrelated experience. giving them a framework, a model (Kolb’s It’s not just about building a stronger
Speak to any ExL provider or trainer, they’ll cycle) and time to try new behaviours. team, although this will in turn create a
tell you the same thing – learning to improve This needs to be supported by a facilitator more unified organisation with improved
the way team members work together
is best achieved through fun rather than
adversity. According to The MotivAction
Group, “you’ll come away with a truly
“Tell me, and I will forget. Show me,
memorable experience in the process.” And
it’s the memorable part of it that makes the and I may remember. Involve me,
learning ‘stick’. Stuart Gray also points to
another reason why learning retention is
and I will understand”
Confucius, 450 BC
so high with ExL: “It uses all five senses.”
Stuart goes on to explain that in a physical
ExL session we use our hearing, sight, smell,
taste and touch to learn, and this then taps “who uses open questions, reflection and confidence; better communication and
into our psyche so that the learning is far understands the experience,” explains leadership skills; an understanding of
more memorable with easy triggers. Robinne Stuart Gray. The facilitator must be cautious others’ abilities; and a shared goal or vision
Collie also maintains “a better quality of too: “ExL is concerned with heightening for the company. “ExL is highly valuable
learning” is gained “as theory turns to people’s emotional state.” An inexperienced to individuals, be they in teams or working
practice on the day, so when it goes back trainer could cause serious damage: “Don’t on their own development,” adds Robinne
to the office, the synergies are clear and it open boxes you can’t close!” warns Stuart. Collie. It’s about both individual and team
translates back quicker and easier.” Ensure the programme suits the team development, so that an individual can
and the learning objectives. Adrian Price work better within any team – essential
Taking caution expands on this by stating that if there for this day in age where team work is
However, as with any learning style, there are no objectives to the learning then it is high on the agenda of most organisations.
are drawbacks or areas of caution of which a waste of time and money: “There must Furthermore, theory and practice merge
any learning trainer, provider or decision be clear learning objectives upfront,” and on the ExL session, so that the “learning
maker should be wary. First and foremost is these need to be aligned to the predicted outcomes can be seen most valuably
the need for a good facilitator. Carl Rogers, outcomes of the session. when they are taken back to the working
the founding father of client-centred environment,” explains Lucy McGibbon.
psychotherapy, distinguished between two Simply building teams?
learning types: cognitive and experiential. ExL can be used in a whole variety of So, while the benefits and growth of the
He pointed to the main benefit of ExL as objectives because it is concerned with industry all point to a strong learning
personal change and growth, with the creativity. “There is a whole myriad of technique, how serious is ExL
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Learning Magazine
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