In 2023, students in classes VI and VII were introduced to a new curriculum that deals with Experiential Learning. This innovative approach has garnered positive feedback during the past year, as I had the opportunity to engage with students and witness the favorable outcomes of this curriculum. Notably, students in classes VIII and IX are set to embark on this experiential learning journey in the academic year 2024.
Experiential learning, at its core, follows a structured four-stage process. The first stage, known as concrete experience, encourages learners to articulate their individual ideas, opinions, and experiences related to the lesson topics. For example, I always ask my students to read a selected text, be it a poem, short story, or passage, and jot down their initial thoughts, personal opinions, questions, or any relevant experience the text might have generated.
In the second stage, students are supposed to
express their opinions, or thoughts or experiences being engaged in a writing,
pair work, small group work, round-table of 4 - 6 students each, or a whole
class discussion. The second stage, reflective observation,
prompts learners to assess and refine their ideas through observation,
discussion, and sharing perspectives with peers.
The third stage, abstract conceptualization, marks a critical point in the
learning process where students formulate their own conceptual understanding of
the subject matter. This signifies a comprehensive grasp of the material,
leading seamlessly into the fourth and final stage, active experimentation.
During active experimentation, learners put their acquired knowledge into practice by applying their ideas in novel situations. This practical application serves as a crucial component, reinforcing the assimilation of concepts and ensuring a holistic learning experience.
In essence, the experiential learning system not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking, collaborative skills, and practical application of acquired knowledge.
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Arup Roy, Lecturer in English, United Public School and College, Jamalpur