Measuring Experiential Learning

Experiential education puts the student at the centre of learning and marks a shift in the traditional dynamics between students and teachers. The role of the experiential educator is to facilitate the transfer of learning from the experiential activity to the real world, structure the reflection process for the students so as to affect maximum learning from the experience, and ensure that learning outcomes are reached.

 

In assessing the effectiveness of our experiential programs, our focus is thus student centered. We view student assessment as a matter of making objective yet independent judgments about the level and quality of learning which has been reached by a student. Here, we are mindful to draw a balance between objective assessment tools that will allow us to compile data for further analysis; and the independent judgements of teachers and trainers in observing the changes in each individual student.

Objective assessment tools

During the initial consultation phase, we work closely with clients in devising the specific learning outcomes of each program.

Some of the main areas we examine include: social, psychological, attitudinal and intellectual. We have chosen the most applicable questionnaires in each field to help us construct a holistic picture of student development. To give an example of this approach, we would employ a modified version of the Rosenberg self esteem scale (psychological) and the Semantic Differential scale (attitudinal) at the beginning and the end of the program. From this data we could assess whether the students have improved throughout the course of the program. The data collected from these surveys are then neatly catalogued and we conduct quarterly meta-analysis to help us design more effective programs. Continuous improvement is something that we strive for. 

We combine the above with the independent observations from accompanying staff, teachers and our team. These observations are sometimes obtained through surveys and questionnaires and sometimes via reviews and discussions. We conduct periodic reviews of these surveys to fine tune the operational and facilitatory aspect of our programs. Examples of our evaluation and measurement tools can be provided upon request. Contact us for more information.