Learning is most effective when it is active, engaging, and rooted in real-world experiences. Experiential learning, a theory developed by David Kolb, is a hands-on approach that allows learners to gain knowledge by doing, reflecting, and adapting their understanding based on experiences. Rather than passively receiving information, students in experiential learning environments engage in activities that simulate real-world challenges, fostering deeper comprehension and skill development.

Characteristics of Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is grounded in four key stages:

  1. Concrete Experience – The learner actively participates in an experience.
  2. Reflective Observation – The learner reflects on the experience, identifying successes and challenges.
  3. Abstract Conceptualization – The learner connects the experience to theories, models, or frameworks.
  4. Active Experimentation – The learner applies what they have learned in new situations.

This cycle encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills essential in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Experiential Learning and My Context

As a software engineering student and educator, experiential learning is deeply relevant to my field. In courses like ECE 270: Cyber-physical and IoT Systems and ECE 356: Engineering System Software, I integrate experiential learning through hands-on labs, projects, and real-world problem-solving exercises. For instance, in my operating systems course, students learn about process scheduling not just by reading theory but by implementing a task scheduler using POSIX threads. This approach ensures that students develop a deep, working understanding of concepts through direct application.

Beyond the classroom, I have also seen experiential learning play a critical role in hackathons, where participants learn by building solutions under time constraints. My recent participation in a game development hackathon using Godot was a perfect example—learning new tools and frameworks by actively creating a project rather than just reading documentation.

Experiential Learning in Our Interactive Learning Design

For our interactive learning resource, experiential learning is a natural fit. Whether we design an AI-driven study tool, a hands-on coding simulation, or an interactive problem-solving activity, experiential learning will enhance engagement and retention. Unlike direct instruction, which focuses on passive absorption of knowledge, this approach will encourage learners to build, test, and refine their understanding dynamically.

Final Thoughts

Experiential learning is not just a theory—it is a powerful way to bridge the gap between knowledge and application. Whether through project-based learning, simulations, or real-world case studies, this approach ensures that learners retain knowledge in a meaningful and lasting way. In our interactive learning design, integrating experiential learning will empower learners to engage deeply, reflect on their experiences, and apply their knowledge in innovative ways.