The method of experiential learning allows individuals to develop their skills in the workplace by experiencing real-life situations that they will encounter in the future, as opposed to merely being fed information.
Simulations and activities are tailored to the specific needs of an employee to equip them to be as successful as possible in their chosen careers. Graduate training programmes in particular benefit from this active form of learning.
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning, or learning by doing, is a method that was developed by theorist David Kolb and explains how successful learning is achieved by experiencing a situation, reflecting on that experience, learning from the experience and then finally trying out that experience in real-time. Rather than just absorbing information from a textbook or seminar, being able to put into practice situations that will occur throughout one’s career can prove to be much more effective. This especially applies to graduates at the beginning of their professional careers who need to be equipped for work more than anyone else after years of sitting exams, writing essays and listening to lectures throughout their education. Experiential learning simulations allow for a more interactive experience. Here are just a few of the main benefits:
Accelerated Learning
If a graduate were just to read what they’ll need to know in the workplace without actually experiencing the situations at hand, they are less likely to retain the information as opposed to being given a job and being able to tackle it head-on. Being put in a specific simulation requires decision-making and problem-solving, and thus will allow graduates to remember how to handle these situations should they occur in the real world, increasing their retention of vital information.
Graduates are able to learn from mistakes
Experiential learning accelerates knowledge and allows graduates to work in a safe, controlled environment where mistakes can be made and learned from without detrimental effects. Allowing graduates to conduct a trial and error method towards these simulations from the beginning of their training programme will enable them to find the best and most efficient ways to work when it comes to the real thing.
Accurate Assessments
Utilising experiential learning in graduate training can be vital when assessing how good a graduate is at their job. A graduate may be able to pass an exam with ease or write an essay about how to handle a work situation to an impeccable standard, but may still lack a sense of commercial awareness toward the industry in which they intend to work, or the company they intend to work for. By assessing a graduate using experiential learning, they are tested in a way that mirrors how the person would react in a typical workplace environment, thus giving a better standard of results, and increasing their knowledge of the workplace.
Our methods of learning will make your graduates stand out from the average work employee. Utilising our learning strategies over a period that suits your company needs whether it’s virtual reality simulations, webinars or interactive 3D model situations, there is always something to accelerate the success of your trainees.