Experiential Learning

There are many ways to deliver learning to a team of people, but by far the most effective method is experiential learning - ‘learning by doing'.

With experiential learning exercises, delegates are able to undertake a task and then reflect upon how it went. Experiential Learning is about finding an opportunity to identify areas for improvement, and then applying what you have learned the next time any situation arises. The beauty of immediately discussing and repeating an activity is that it presents a chance to implement an improvement plan, experiment with potential solutions, and enhance personal learning and development.

The effect of experiential learning can most valuably be seen when the learning outcomes are transferred back into the working environment, it is then that common problems such as the need for communication, collaboration, planning and utilising resources can be effectively resolved from a ‘practice makes perfect scenario'. This is connected with a need to create a non-threatening environment in which fear of failure does not cause mental paralysis; hence the popularity of off-site learning events. Taking people away from the pressures, rules and conventions of the workplace allows them to behave naturally, free from the prospect of embarrassment or retribution. In this environment, you uncover behaviours, skills and knowledge that were previously hidden away.

The theories surrounding Experiential Learning have a very strong academic grounding, having been developed and researched by academics such as David Kolb, Peter Honey and Alan Mumford. Their work is incorporated by many of the clients who use our conference centres for their Leadership Development or Graduate Recruitment programmes and is available in all good bookstores!