Understanding Experiential Learning: A Guide for Returning Students and Parents
If you’re a parent thinking about returning to school or exploring new learning methods, you may have heard the term “experiential learning.” But what does it really mean? And how can it support your educational goals?
In this article, we’ll explore what experiential learning is, why it matters, and how it might fit into your personal and professional development journey. Whether you're considering college courses, workforce training, or skill-building programs, experiential learning can be a valuable approach.
What Is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is a teaching method that emphasizes learning through direct experience. Instead of only reading textbooks or listening to lectures, you apply what you’re learning in real-world contexts. This can help deepen your understanding and connect education to life beyond the classroom.
According to educational theorist David Kolb, experiential learning involves a cycle of four steps:
- Concrete Experience – Engaging in an activity or experience.
- Reflective Observation – Thinking about what happened and why it matters.
- Abstract Conceptualization – Identifying ideas, patterns, or lessons from the experience.
- Active Experimentation – Applying those insights to new situations.
This process helps you turn experience into knowledge, making learning more personal and meaningful.
Why Is Experiential Learning Important?
Experiential learning can be especially helpful for adult learners. As a parent or returning student, you bring valuable life experience to the classroom. Experiential methods allow you to build on that foundation in practical ways.
- Better retention: When you learn by doing, you’re more likely to remember the information.
- Skill development: Hands-on activities often mirror tasks you may face at work or in life.
- Confidence building: Applying skills can help you see your progress and feel more capable.
- Flexible learning: You can often use past experiences to meet academic goals, saving time and energy.
If you've ever balanced a household budget, led a group at work, or volunteered in your community, you've already engaged in experiential learning—even if you didn't call it that.
How Is Experiential Learning Used in Education?
Experiential learning can take many forms, depending on the subject or program. In many adult education and workforce programs, instructors use a mix of strategies designed to reflect real-life challenges. Here are some common formats:
- Service learning: Projects that combine community service with course objectives, such as helping at a food bank while studying public health.
- Simulations: Role-playing exercises or software-based activities that model real-world systems, like managing a virtual business.
- Fieldwork: Hands-on experience in settings like hospitals, schools, or nonprofits, often part of healthcare or education programs.
- Internships or apprenticeships: Structured placements where you learn on the job while earning academic credit.
- Case studies: Real or simulated scenarios used to analyze problems and apply decision-making skills.
These experiences don't replace traditional learning—they enhance it. For many adult learners, experiential formats make learning more engaging and relevant.
What Are Real-Life Examples of Experiential Learning?
To better understand how experiential learning works, consider these examples involving adults returning to education:
- Nursing student: Participates in a clinical rotation at a local hospital. While working under supervision, she practices patient care, then discusses challenges in class.
- Accounting student: Joins a volunteer tax preparation team during tax season. He applies course material, interacts with community members, and gains valuable client service experience.
- Business student: Completes a group project where she develops a basic marketing plan for a small local business.
- Parents in education programs: Create lesson plans based on real-life experiences with their own children, then use classroom feedback to adjust their methods.
Each of these experiences brings theory into practice. The result is a deeper connection to the material and more confidence working in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Experiential Learning
Is experiential learning only for hands-on careers?
No. While experiential learning is common in fields like healthcare and trades, it can be used in nearly every subject area, including business, education, technology, and the humanities.
Can life experience count as experiential learning?
In some programs, previous work, volunteer, or life experiences may be assessed for academic credit. This is often called prior learning assessment, and policies vary by institution.
How does experiential learning help adult learners?
Adult learners often need education that connects to life responsibilities and career goals. Experiential learning allows for that by integrating skills, reflection, and problem-solving in meaningful ways.
Is experiential learning time-consuming?
It depends on the approach. While hands-on components may require time outside of class, they often replace or complement traditional assignments, not add to them.
Do all schools offer experiential learning?
Not all programs emphasize experiential learning in the same way. If this method appeals to you, look for institutions or courses that include fieldwork, internships, or project-based learning.
Is Experiential Learning Right for You?
As a parent returning to education, your time and energy are valuable. Experiential learning can help make your coursework more focused, relevant, and connected to your goals. If you’re someone who learns better by doing, collaborating, and applying ideas to real-life scenarios, this type of learning may be a good fit for your journey.
Before enrolling, talk with an advisor or program coordinator. Ask how the program includes hands-on experiences, how prior experience is valued, and what support is available for adult students like you.
In Summary
Experiential learning is all about learning through doing. It combines real-world practice with reflection and application, making it a meaningful approach for many adult learners. Whether you’re navigating a career shift or expanding your skills, this method can support personal growth and lifelong learning.
Explore your options, take your time, and choose the educational path that aligns with your life and your learning style.
