Experiencing in Experiential Learning refers to the direct, active involvement of a learner in a meaningful activity or situation. It’s the first stage in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, which includes Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization and Active Experimentation
1. Experiencing Means:
This stage is about doing — participating in an activity, encountering a problem, or facing a real or simulated situation. The learner becomes immersed in the moment, often through:
• Hands-on tasks (e.g., lab experiments, simulations, role plays)
• Real-life experiences (e.g., internships, service learning, travel)
• Group work or collaborative challenges
2. Examples of “Experiencing” in Practice
• A nursing student working in a clinical setting with real patients
• A business student managing a simulation of a company
• An art student participating in a live exhibit
• A language learner engaging in a conversation with a native speaker
3. “Experiencing” Matters:
• Engagement: Learners are emotionally and cognitively involved.
• Memory: Direct involvement enhances retention.
• Relevance: Learners see the importance and context of what they’re learning.
• Foundation for reflection: It sets the stage for the next steps in the cycle—analysing and applying what was learned.
4. Tips for Effective Experiential Learning:
• Make the experience authentic and purposeful.
• Encourage learners to step out of their comfort zone.
• Balance structure with freedom so learners can explore meaningfully.
• Follow up with reflection to deepen learning.