How can you use experiential learning theory to support hands-on learning?

In hands-on learning, students might conduct experiments, participate in simulations, solve problems, create projects, or engage in real-world tasks relevant to the subject matter. This approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of concepts through direct experience. Hands-on learning is often associated with increased student engagement, retention, and motivation as it appeals to diverse learning styles and provides opportunities for active involvement and discovery. It can be particularly effective in fields such as STEM, and vocational education, where practical skills and application are emphasized.

Experiential learning theory, as proposed by David Kolb, emphasizes learning through experience, positing that knowledge results from the combination of grasping and transforming experience. This theory can significantly support hands-on learning by providing a structured framework that guides learners through a cyclic process of experiencing, reflecting, conceptualizing, and applying. In hands-on learning environments, learners engage directly with the material, tools, or phenomena being studied, which corresponds to the concrete experience phase of Kolb's cycle. This direct engagement allows learners to immerse themselves in the learning process, making observations and participating actively.

A teoria da aprendizagem experiencial é o método que realiza o resultado dos estudos que apontam que os alunos aprendem melhor quando o conteúdo está conectado com a realidade. Uma abordagem que impacta no aperfei?oamento dos conteúdos e habilidades já adquiridas, como para novos aprendizados e estimula??o para novos comportamentos.

Hands-on learning needs to focus on engaging students where their natural curiosity lies for a certain topic. Ideally, if you do can do this in a collaborative and social way with peers that share the same interest, and also rely on peer instruction, this can reinforce instruction and core content / curriculum topics.

Experiential learning theory supports hands-on learning by emphasizing direct experience as a primary method of learning. It suggests that individuals learn best when they actively engage with their environment, reflect on their experiences, make connections to prior knowledge, and apply their learning in new contexts. Hands-on learning aligns with this theory by providing opportunities for students to directly interact with materials, objects, or experiences, enabling them to learn through active participation, exploration, and experimentation.

Designing hands-on learning activities based on experiential learning theory involves creating experiences where students actively engage, reflect, conceptualize, and apply their learning. Start by providing concrete experiences such as experiments, simulations, or real-world tasks. Then, facilitate reflection through discussions or journals, allowing students to make meaning from their experiences. Help them conceptualize by connecting experiences to theories or concepts. Finally, encourage active experimentation by applying learning to new situations or projects, fostering deeper understanding and skill development.

Focus on using readily available learning through play tools (ex. LEGO) which students have familiarity and excitement with to drive engagement. Map curriculum and content to this medium of experiential learning to track to outcomes.

-Incorporate variety and novelty: Keep hands-on activities engaging and stimulating by incorporating a variety of materials, formats, and approaches to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. -Provide scaffolding and support: Offer guidance, resources, and feedback to scaffold students' learning, helping them navigate challenges and build on their existing knowledge and skills. -Promote transfer of learning: Design activities that encourage students to apply their learning to new contexts or real-world situations, fostering deeper understanding and long-term retention. -Encourage reflection: Incorporate structured reflection activities before, during, and after the hands-on experience.

To enhance hands-on learning activities to meet the individual learning needs to students, particularly in group-based settings, team structure and design is super critical. You want to complementary skill sets for students to help each other, and emphasize activities which play to their strengths, but can also bring up their weaknesses.

Moonshot School is an example of experiential biomedical engineering that combines LEGO, healthcare, and surgical robotics, teaching students complex concepts in anatomy, physiology, physics, and AI through hands-on play.

A teoria da aprendizagem experiencial pode ser utilizada para enriquecer a educa??o, integrando experiências práticas com reflex?o crítica e aplica??o teórica. Através deste ciclo de aprendizagem, os alunos n?o só adquirem conhecimento e habilidades relevantes para sua futura carreira, mas também desenvolvem uma abordagem reflexiva e proativa para a aprendizagem contínua. Implementar programas que seguem a teoria da aprendizagem experiencial pode transformar a educa??o, tornando-a mais dinamica, relevante e eficaz para preparar os alunos para os desafios do mundo real.