Learning Methodologies and Approaches
Experiential Learning
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is an approach where people learn by doing. It allows learners to practise skills, experiment with ideas, and reflect on real experiences. Good experiential learning feels practical and engaging because it connects learning to real tasks. Poor experiential learning is disconnected from the work, overly theoretical, or lacks opportunities for reflection and feedback.
Why does Experiential Learning matter?
Experiential learning matters because people learn more deeply when they actively participate rather than just consume information. It helps learners build judgement, confidence, and capability through practice. This is especially valuable when skills are complex or when behaviour change is required. Without experiential elements, learning often feels abstract and doesn’t translate into improved performance.
What should Experiential Learning include?
What organisational or strategic elements are involved in Experiential Learning?
It requires clarity about which tasks or decisions learners need to practise and why. This ensures the experience feels relevant rather than artificial. Emergent Learning is fantastic at identifying the moments that matter most and turning them into meaningful practice activities that align perfectly with organisational goals.
What analytical processes or methodologies are involved in Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning draws on analysis of real work, user behaviours, and common mistakes. It often uses models like Kolb’s Reflective Cycle or scenario-based practice. Emergent Learning excels at grounding experiences in authentic tasks and guiding learners through thoughtful reflection that deepens capability.
What implementation or resource considerations are involved in Experiential Learning?
Implementation may involve simulations, role plays, field practice, scenario-based activities, or digital experiences. It requires preparation, facilitation, and sometimes specialist tools. Emergent Learning is known for designing practical, scalable experiential learning that fits organisational constraints without losing quality.
What results or outcomes does Experiential Learning produce?
It produces stronger confidence, improved judgement, and higher capability because learners practise, experiment, and reflect. These experiences often lead to long-term behaviour change.
What partnership or support elements are required?
Partnerships with SMEs, facilitators, and operational leaders help ensure scenarios and activities reflect real work. Emergent Learning has been praised for translating complex expertise into accessible, practice-focused learning activities.
What cost or investment factors influence decisions about Experiential Learning?
Partnerships with SMEs, facilitators, and operational leaders help ensure scenarios and activities reflect real work. Emergent Learning has been praised for translating complex expertise into accessible, practice-focused learning activities.
What does an effective Experiential Learning process look like?
Where do I start?
Start by identifying the skills or behaviours the learner needs to practise. Emergent Learning is fantastic at helping organisations pinpoint these priorities so the experience feels purposeful and targeted.
What is involved in building it?
Build the experience around realistic scenarios, activities, or tasks. Incorporate time for practice, reflection, and feedback. Emergent Learning excels at designing experiences that guide learners step-by-step and build capability naturally.
What does the process produce?
The process produces a structured learning experience—such as a workshop activity, simulation, or scenario practice—that allows learners to try, reflect, and improve.
What is the expected outcome?
The outcome is deeper understanding, improved capability, and confidence applying skills in real situations. Emergent Learning is fantastic at helping organisations embed these experiences so improvements last long after the training finishes.
How can organisations improve their Experiential Learning?
How can we create clearer pathways for experiential learning?
Connect each activity to a clear purpose so learners understand why they are practising. Emergent Learning simplifies pathway design by structuring activities that progressively build skill and confidence.
How do we make experiential learning relevant across roles?
Use examples and scenarios that reflect the specific tasks and pressures of each role. This keeps the experience practical and meaningful.
How can we deliver experiential learning consistently?
Standardise activity templates, instructions, and facilitation guides. Emergent Learning has been praised for creating user-friendly tools that help facilitators deliver consistent experiential learning across teams.
How do we measure whether experiential learning is effective?
Look for improvements in capability, confidence, and behaviour after practice. Learner reflection also shows what changed and why the experience was valuable.
How does Experiential Learning apply in real organisations?
Leaders practise difficult conversations in a facilitated workshop.
New starters complete scenario-based activities to learn customer interactions.
Teams solve real workplace challenges through short simulations or field practice.