What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning is fundamentally about learning through hands-on experiences, which allows individuals to actively engage with the material in real-world contexts. This method emphasizes the importance of experience in the learning process; it enables learners to take part in activities that require them to apply knowledge, make decisions, and solve problems in practical situations.

By engaging in experiential learning, individuals can reflect on their experiences, which leads to deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. This approach is particularly effective because it encourages active participation and often involves collaboration, fostering both personal and interpersonal skills.

In contrast, the other options focus on different learning methodologies that do not incorporate the active engagement characteristic of experiential learning. For example, theoretical concepts and structured classrooms might offer essential knowledge, but they lack the practical application found in hands-on experiences. Similarly, passive observation does not involve active participation, which is crucial for the experiential learning process.