Abstract:

Experiential educational principles are based on the educational philosophy of John Dewey who “interprets education as the scientific method by means which man studies the world, acquires cumulatively knowledge of meanings and values, these outcomes, however, being data for critical study and intelligent living”. It is believed that “if an experience arouses curiosity, strengthens initiative, and sets up desires and purposes that are sufficiently intense to carry a person over dead places in the future, continuity works in a very different way. Every experience is a moving force”. (Dewey)

Colleges do a good job of teaching with tools and technologies to be successful researchers but experience needs to be gathered first hand. Through experiential learning students are no longer passively engaged with lecture materials but are actively observing, analyzing, and participating through field education. Their experiences can take shape in various forms such as classroom related field experiences; traveling through global education programs; civic engagement fostered through community service; and internships.

This paper will illustrate how experiential education in varied forms allowed students a great learning experience making them more critical thinkers and deep learners in which they will be able to discuss and recollect these experiences for many years to come.

Keywords:

Experiential Learning, Critical Thinking, Deep Learning.