Explore Your Potential with Experiential Learning: A Comprehensive Guide to STEM Education
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education is critical in today's world as technology is progressing at a rapid pace, the demand for people with a strong foundation in these fields is high. In addition to understanding the concepts, students must also get practical experiences, to apply what they have learned to real-world problem solving.
Let's explore the importance of experiential learning in STEM education. The purpose of this blog post is to analyze the theoretical framework and research that support this innovative teaching strategy. Furthermore, we will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to fully benefit from experiential learning while moving smoothly from traditional classroom settings to exciting lab experiences and take advantage of the unique opportunities that NevilLabs® offers to aspiring innovative creators.
Topics Outline:
- Learning by Doing: Why Experiential Learning is the Future of STEM Education?
- Stages of Experiential Learning: An In-Depth Look at the Process
- Unlocking the Power of Experiential Learning: What Research Shows
- Building the Future with Experiential Learning: Why STEM Needs Direct Experiences
- From Classroom to Lab: Strategies for Getting Active Experience in STEM
- NevilLabs®: The Ultimate Solution for STEM Students Seeking Experiential Learning Opportunities
- The Power of Experiential Learning and NevilLabs®: Building a Stronger Future for STEM
Learning by Doing: Why Experiential Learning is the Future of STEM Education?
Experiential learning prioritizes learning through firsthand experiences, reflecting upon them, and applying their gained knowledge. It highlights the necessity of engaging students in activities that allow them to apply classroom, lecture based knowledge to real-world circumstances. With this approach students can boost their reasoning, inventive, and conclusive proficiencies. Before we look at the most recent research-backed facts concerning experiential learning, let's first look at the concept underlying it.
Stages of Experiential Learning: An In-Depth Look at the Process
The work of various educational theorists and educators, including David A. Kolb and Edgar Dale, provides the foundation of Experiential Learning theory. We'll look into a few of them here.
- Learning Cycle
- According to David A. Kolb, the process of learning consists of four cyclic stages: concrete experience, reflective observations, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
- Concrete experience involves engaging in a hands-on experience or activity, which allows students to see and feel the concept they are learning.
- Reflective observation is about analyzing experiences and extracting insights from them.
- Abstract conceptualization involves creating a generalization or theory about the experience.
- Finally, active experimentation involves applying the theory or generalization to a new situation, further solidifying the understanding of the concept.
Now, lets look into the theory of different ways of learning and experiencing a concept that helps in greater retention, while implementing Experiential Learning while learning any concept as explained by a famous educationalist Edgar Dale.
- Cone of Experience
- The Cone of Experience, as introduced by Edgar Dale, lies at the centre of our platform, so let's delve deeper into this method. Going back in time, Edgar Dale, an American Educator born in 1900 in North Dakota, United States, earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the University of North Dakota, completed his PhD at the University of Chicago, and later joined Eastman Kodak Company, where he was introduced to films and later found its application in learning from the film. He joined as a professor at the Ohio State University (1929 - 1970). Throughout his 40-year teaching career, he pioneered numerous educational reforms, including the use of audiovisual approaches. He wrote the well-known book Audiovisual Methods in Teaching, which was published in several reviewed editions in (1946, 1954, and 1969).In Edgar Dale's books, he introduced a variety of learning strategies that can aid in the retention of information for much longer periods, originally named the Cone of Experience in his books, the corrupted or modified versions are now famously known as the "Learning Pyramid." We shall concentrate on the original version of the "Learning Pyramid”, which is the "Cone of Experience”.Experiential learning has been found in studies to increase academic achievement. Edgar Dale's cone of experience teaching methods can be adapted at any stage of education.The cone demonstrates the transformation of abstract to evident learning experiences.The top levels of the cone of experience are more passive or abstract versions of learning concepts that do not help much in retaining the concepts for extended periods, and thus do not help in applications of various concepts in real life, and thus do not serve the actual purpose of learning.As we progress down the pyramid, they are the most active techniques of learning any topic to generate concrete methods of actually understanding and applying the theories in daily life. These strategies have been proven to be the most effective method of learning all concepts.The cone illustrates the different types of learning experiences and their relative effectiveness in terms of how much information is retained by the learner.To look into each stage of the cone of experience:
- Verbal Symbols: This stage involves learners using language and communication to understand new information. An example of verbal symbols learning is a student participating in a class discussion about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
- Visual Symbols: This stage involves learners using visual aids to understand new information. An example of visual symbols learning is a student studying a diagram of a complex biological system or chemical reactor in a textbook.
- Abstract Symbols: This stage involves learners using abstract concepts, such as mathematical formulas, to understand new information. An example of abstract symbols learning is a student using calculus to solve a physics problem.
- Iconic Experiences: This stage involves learning using motion pictures like watching videos, going to exhibitions, museums, and educational field trips. An example of an Iconic experience is a student watching a demonstration of the working of a drone on a YouTube video or visiting an industry to experience how professional engineers are working on developing a product.
- Dramatized Experience: This stage involves learners participating in a dramatized scenario, such as a play or skit. A student attending a production of a play about the history of science and technology is an example of dramatized experience learning, or as a student practically simulating a robotic arm holding a cup.
- Contrived Experience: This stage involves learners participating in simulated or staged scenarios. An example of contrived experience learning is a student participating in a virtual reality simulation of an aerospace engineering project.
- Direct Experience: This stage involves learners physically participating in a real-world scenario. An example of direct experience learning is a student participating in an engaging robotics workshop where they build and program a robot.
- Direct, purposeful experiences, is the stage in which students actively engage with the concepts. As seen in the cone above, dramatized experience, contrived experience and direct experience combined Direct, purposeful experiences are the most successful and concrete type of learning experiences. Experiential learning exercises are intended to imitate real-world situations.
NevilLabs® offers Direct Purposeful Experiences method of learning STEM courses, which assists students in learning, retaining, and applying concepts in real-life circumstances. We teach young minds how to design like professional engineering designers. The last stage of cone explains three levels of learning: Dramatized, Contrived, and Direct Purposeful Experiences. Our NevilLabs® provides a holistic Experiential Learning platform by introducing Interactive Simulators with Technology and Professionals to help students learn math and science concepts, then apply the concepts to build their experiments while experiencing different STEM fields and learning to find innovative solutions for the real-world problems in more contrived and dramatized ways and see their results instantly, then they can export the experimental kits to actually build and experience their results in reality.
Going on to investigate the research study on experiential learning that has been ongoing for several years.
Unlocking the Power of Experiential Learning: What Research Shows
Kolb's learning cycle theory and Edgar Dale's cone of experience theory both propose that experiential learning (learning with direct experiences), which involves doing, can be a strong method of learning that leads to higher academic performance. Numerous research studies, particularly in STEM education, have demonstrated the value of experiential learning.
Key research findings are:
- Improved learning outcomes: A study published in the Journal of the National Academy of Sciences found that students learning STEM courses in active learning environments (including experiential learning) were 1.5 times more likely to succeed than students in traditional lecture-based classes. The study also showed that students in active learning environments had higher exam scores and lower failure rates.
- Increased Student Engagement: According to a study published by Education Research International, experiential learning activities such as project-based learning and problem-based learning boosted student engagement and motivation in STEM subjects.
- Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Studies published in the Journal of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Journal of Technology and Design Education, discovered that engineering students who participated in experiential learning activities improved their critical thinking and problem-solving skills significantly more than students who did not participate in such activities.
- Greater retention of knowledge: A study published in the journal of the National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), found that students in experiential learning environments retained more information compared to students in traditional learning environments.
According to various research studies mentioned above, experiential learning is an effective approach that can help students in developing the necessary skills required, while increasing their motivation and having academic success. Experiential learning is a learning method that allows learning every concept by experiencing it. It is an active learning strategy that engages students and help them to apply their learning to real-world circumstances.
According to the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), the characteristics of Experiential learning are:
- Learning is enhanced by thoughtfully analyzing experiences for deeper understanding.
- Learning is reinforced when the learner can relate to it.
- Learning requires the learner's involvement in the process by being inquisitive, exploring and finding solutions.
- Learner's results through experiences shape their future learning.
- Utilizing consequences to foster learning.
Hence, NevilLabs® is designed to incorporate these principles into the learning experience, making it more engaging, relevant, and effective.
As we consider the benefits of Experiential Learning backed by research, let's examine how it can make a real difference for students studying STEM subjects.
Building the Future with Experiential Learning: Why STEM Needs Direct Experiences
The experiential learning platform provided by NevilLabs® helps students in acquiring critical skills that are required for success in the 21st century. Creativity, ingenuity, and research and development skills are examples of these capabilities. According to publications in World Economic Forum, these talents are becoming increasingly crucial in the workplace and will be in high demand in the future. The paper emphasizes the increasing relevance of creativity, inventiveness, and research and development skills in the workplace, arguing that these talents are of the utmost importance while automation and artificial intelligence are likely to automate many regular tasks in our lives. This study is noteworthy because it shows that students who develop these skills through direct experiences will be better prepared to succeed in the workplace of the 21st century.
Students can acquire these abilities through engaging in projects by connecting with their peers on experiential learning platform offered by NevilLabs®. Students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate in real-world problem-solving and creative projects, all of which are necessary for success in the new world of work.
NevilLabs®, an experiential learning platform also allows students to acquire insights into numerous STEM fields, such as physics, robotics, and aeronautics, in both pure and applied sciences. This exposure encourages students in discovering their STEM passions and interests, which can lead to fulfilling careers in the future. STEM employment is predicted to grow by 10.8% over the next ten years, outpacing all other occupations, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This study is noteworthy because it indicates that there will be an increasing demand for STEM professionals in the future and that students who gain these skills through experiential learning will be well-positioned for success in their future careers.
The rise in STEM careers will boost the global economy by preparing the next generation of STEM innovators to solve humanity's challenges.
Now that we have learned about the importance of experiential learning through research studies, we will provide practical recommendations to students for learning any concept and experiencing its benefits.
From Classroom to Lab: Strategies for Getting Active Experience in STEM
To enjoy the benefits of experiential learning firsthand, we recommend the following:
- Background knowledge: While learning a concept in school, learn the principles behind it by reading textbooks, and online articles, listening to lectures in classes, and watching videos, demonstrations or going on a field trip.
- Actively Engage: Conduct an experiment, or build a model on the concept. This will provide a concrete experience that can be further explored.
- Reflect on the experience: During and after the hands-on activity, take some time to reflect on what was learned. Ask relevant questions while exploring the topic, after understanding what is the concept behind its working. Learn how it's working? learn why it works the way you see it. Learn What worked? What didn't work? What could be improved?
- Develop a theory: Based on the hands-on activity and reflection, develop a theory about the concept being learned.
- Apply the theory: Finally, apply the concept learnt to a new situation or application. And go back to previous steps to reflect and learn from the application, as this is a circular way of learning. This will further solidify the understanding of the concept and provide opportunities for active experimentation.
For example, if you are learning about the principles of aerodynamics, read a textbook or listen to a lecture about the topic. However, you will likely remember more information if you participate in hands-on activities, such as building the model of an aeroplane and testing it in a wind tunnel. By doing this, the student is engaging in practice-based learning, which research suggests is more effective than passive methods like reading, listening and watching.
NevilLabs® : The Ultimate Solution for STEM Students Seeking Experiential Learning Opportunities
Given the science and theory underlying experiential learning, it's evident that a platform like NevilLabs® is crucial for STEM education. As a result of:
- Real-world application: NevilLabs® enables students to apply classroom principles to practical, real-world circumstances. This not only helps students to comprehend the importance of STEM topics but also prepares them for future professions in these sectors.
- Development of futuristic skills: As the world evolves at a quick pace, it is critical that students develop skills such as creativity, inventiveness, and research and development abilities. NevilLabs® promotes the development of these skills through direct active experiences with hands-on and collaborative learning.
- Exposure to various STEM fields: NevilLabs® gives students the chance to explore many STEM-related industries, like chemical engineering, robotics, and astronomy. This exposure encourages a lifetime love of study while assisting them in making informed judgments regarding their future professional pathways.
- Customized learning experiences: NevilLabs® is made to adapt to the unique requirements of each student, offering them individualized learning experiences based on their current course of study. By doing this, it is made sure that kids have the assistance they require to excel in their STEM education.
NevilLabs® provides a variety of simulation, hands-on experiments and learning activities. To learn about various scientific concepts, students can, for instance, create their robots, act out a space trip, or take part in a virtual reality experience.
NevilLabs® helps students gain critical skills that are essential for their future success in addition to giving them a greater knowledge of STEM concepts. Critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills while thinking creatively and cultivating a growth mindset, which are necessary for success in any subject.
The Power of Experiential Learning and NevilLabs® : Building a Stronger Future for STEM
In conclusion, a well-designed experiential learning platform is essential for studying STEM because it provides students with a more effective way to learn and prepares them for their future careers. NevilLabs® offers a streamlined and synergetic experiential learning platform that provides you with an innovative way to learn and hone essential skills needed for future success in the 21st century. Embrace the thrill of discovery and innovation with our range of engaging experiential learning activities. Come, and join us on this exciting journey of experiential learning and exploration!
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