Experiential Learning

THE BEST OF THE ACTIVE REVIEWING GUIDE by Roger Greenaway

Synopsis: The "Handbook of Experiential Learning" is a comprehensive resource that draws together contemporary thought and practice on a wide range of experiential learning applications from the best-known authorities on the topic. In this book, volume editor and leading experiential learning expert, Mel Silberman presents a contemporary review of experiential learning in the workplace complete with models, applications, and innovative uses. The handbook covers a broad range of experiential learning methods including: games and simulations; action learning; role-play and Improv; story-telling; adventure activity; reflective practice; and, creative play. It also describes the use of experiential learning in topics such as technical skills, leadership, team building, diversity and cross-cultural training, and emotional intelligence. (Amazon.co.uk) ** This book includes a chapter on Dynamic Debriefing by Roger Greenaway **

• Experiential Learning: A Theoretical Critique Explored Through Five Perspectives
• Experiential Learning in Adult Education: A Comparative Framework

Synopsis: This handbook pulls together for the first time both the theory and the practice of experiential learning and all types of learning that employ activity-based experience. Based on sound theoretical underpinning, and making full use of examples and guidance for successful implementation, "Experiential Learning" enables readers to unlease some of the more potent ingredients of learning through experience. "Everything that can possibly provide, or affect, a learning experience, is discussed: most theories of learning, and every conceivable way to interest learners in an activity...Even very accomplished developers who prepare learning experiences for all types of learners, from grade level classes through executive seminars can undoubtedly find many ideas to expand the design options upon which they can draw." - "Leadership and Organisational Development Journal," previously known as "The Power of Experiential Learning." (Amazon.co.uk) [The first edition entitled 'The Power of Experiential Learning' is available new and used from amazon.co.uk and amazon.com]

Experiential Learning:
Experience as the Source of Learning and Development
David A. Kolb

Kolb's learning cycle has spawned many unauthorised imitations that misrepresent his theories. As you might guess from the title he has a theory of experiential development as well as a theory of experiential learning. Not bed time reading, but essential for anyone doing serious research in this area. Most readers will probably be surprised to find that there is very little about cyclical movement, even though his well known 'circle' is the central focus of his discussion of the various dynamics of his model of experiential learning. There is an important 4 page critique of Kolb's theory in John Heron's Feelings and Personhood, in which Kolb's model is said to downplay the importance of feelings and intuition in experiential learning. Despite the range of Kolb's theorising, this generally positivistic book does not provide an adequate grounding for more holistic approaches to learning. (reviewed by Roger Greenaway) View these critiques of Kolb's experiential learning theory and Kolb's answers to questions about his theory.

The Complete Facilitator's Handbook
John Heron
Reviewed by Roger Greenaway: An odd combination of a very systematic approach mixed with an inspiring collection of creative ideas. You'll appreciate the tidy framework, the detailed examples and the temptations to experiment. John Heron was the Founder and Director of the Human Potential Research Project at the University of Surrey. This book (1999) updates and integrates his earlier books. (Roger Greenaway)

Synopsis: This comprehensive guide is designed to provide the key to successful facilitation. Analytical in approach and highly structured, it aims to help facilitators both understand and develop their own personal style of facilitation. Combining a strong theoretical content, including a comprehensive group dynamic theory, with an extensive repertoire for practical action the book provides the essential foundations for building effective facilitative skills that suit both a facilitator's personality and then closely match the situations they encounter. (amazon.co.uk)

Workshops:
Designing and Facilitating Experiential Learning
Jeff E. Brooks-Harris, Susan R. Stock-Ward

A guide to setting up and running a workshop from Sage Publications.

Making Sense of Experiential Learning
Susan Warner Weil (Editor), Ian McGill (Editor)

Synopsis: This book appraises the multiplicity of meanings and practices associated with experiental learning in an international context.The editors have identified four distinct "villages" within the global village of experiential learning. One village is identified around the recognition of prior experiential learning as a means of gaining access to educational institutions, employment and professional bodies. A second is the place for those who centre their activities on reforming mainstream higher and continuing education. A third is for those people who place experiential learning leading to social change outside educational institutions. Finally, there is the village where the focus is placed on the potential and practice of personal development. The contributors to this volume come from all four "villages". (Amazon.co.uk) no longer available from amazon.co.uk

Book Description: A manual for those new to the techniques of action learning (learning by doing), whether working in organizations, business or education. The burgeoning use of learning sets has generated many innovative uses for, and developments of action learning, which are detailed and explored in this practical work. Key topics covered include: what action learning is; using action learning to develop individuals, groups and organizations; facilitating action learning; action learning for people working professionally and in educational settings; action learning for professional groups; reflective learning and action learning; and innovations in the use of action learning. Synopsis: Little was written on how to do action learning until Ian McGill's previous book (the classic Action Learning, co-written with Liz Beaty, also published by RoutledgeFalmer). This new book truly opens up this powerful technique for those new to action learning, whether working in organisations, business or education. The burgeoning use of learning sets has generated many innovative uses for, and developments in action learning, which are detailed and explored in this practical, accessible book written for educators, trainers and developers. (Amazon.co.uk)

Synopsis: A practical guide for those using (or planning to use) "action learning", covering the underlying principles behind the approach and providing a series of tools which can aid the organization to successfully adopt it. It includes a comparison of action learning and traditional learning along with tools and techniques for the following parts of the process, including: the client/sponsor role; programme preparation; programme start-up; ground rules; how to select appropriate problems and projects; the composition/meetings/process of action learning sets; the role of the set advisor; and methods of supporting and evaluating the process. (Amazon.co.uk)

Using Experience for Learning
David Boud (Editor), Ruth Cohen (Editor), David Walker (Editor)

Synopsis: What are the key ideas that underpin learning from experience? How do we learn from experience? How does context and purpose influence learning? How does experience impact on individual and group learning? How can we help others to learn from their experience? "Using Experience for Learning" reflects current interest in the importance of experience in informal and formal learning, whether it be applied for course credit, new forms of learning in the workplace, or acknowledging autonomous learning outside educational institutions. It also emphasizes the role of personal experience in learning: ideas are not separate from experience; relationships and personal interests impact on learning; and emotions have a vital part to play in intellectual learning. All the contributors write themselves into their chapters, giving an autobiographical account of how their experiences have influenced their learning and what has led them to their current views and practice. "Using Experience for Learning" brings together a wide range of perspectives and conceptual frameworks with contributors from four continents, and should be a valuable addition to the field of experiential learning. (amazon.co.uk)

Freedom to Learn
Carl R. Rogers, H. Jerome Freiberg

"Teaching, in my estimation, is a vastly overrated function..... I see the facilitation of learning as the aim of education." Carl Rogers