What is Experiential Education?

Tell me and I will forget.
Show me and I may remember.
Involve me and I will understand.

-- Chinese Proverb

Experiential education can be generally defined as "learning by doing with reflection." Well planned and facilitated experiential education programs are active, engaging and meaningful for participants.

Experiential education programs:

• Are based on the goals of individuals, groups, and/or organizations;
• Engage learners intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.
• Require participants to take initiative, solve problems, make decisions, assume responsibility, and critically analyze learning;
• Result in people who understand themselves better and are able to relate to others more effectively.

Outcomes of experiential education include:

• Increased confidence in abilities
• Improved critical thinking skills
• Enhanced leadership skills
• More effective communication skills
• Increased ability to work effectively in groups
• Greater capacity to reflect on learning