Volume : 7, Issue : 12, DEC 2021

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ON STUDENTS’ BEHAVIOUR AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS

ALKA KAPUR

Abstract

Experiential Learning is an engaged learning process wherein students “Learn by doing” and by reflecting on the experience. It is an opportunity for students to engage intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially and physically. I felt that students’ retention and analytical power increases, and if something is taught to them in the way they understand and is age appropriate. A very famous quote “I hear, I forget; I see, I remember and I do ,I understand” hold true for the learners. Of course, today’s generation belongs to high-tech world, so even using different resources on the online mode can fulfil our purpose of experiential learning, as there is an intimate and necessary relation between the process of actual experience and education.

Method-

Before starting the project, the need of experiential learning to be deep rooted was realized by me. Staff meeting was organised and the concern was shared with the teachers. The facilitators contributed well and were ready to contribute for the same. Research work was done by them on how to provide experiential learning to the students and later on the plan of action was drafted for the same. The plan of action was made for twelve weeks. Teachers were asked to make their lesson plans by incorporating many hands-on activities. Here teachers were asked to give suggestions to one another and make few alterations (if necessary). Teachers started engaging their students in different activities and demonstrating to them various experiments as well. After few weeks re-observation was done by me and to my surprise notable improvement was evident. A positive feedback from the students and parents was received regarding the change observed in students. Real-life applications of the subject concern were clearly evident.

Result-

Based on the findings, the following are the conclusions

  • The pre-test scores and the post test scores of the Learners differ significantly.
  • There is an improvement in the scores of the slow learners as well.
  • The significant improvement is shown in the Qualitative aspects of the students as well.
  • Increase in confidence level, Reduced absenteeism, Interaction in the class, Engagement in the activities during the lesson are more apparent in the classroom now.
  • Though teachers have to really work hard in planning as well as execution of the activities but it has eventually brought a significant change in the teaching learning styles of the teachers.
  • The performance level of the students has really increased and the visible part is that the students have developed exploration skills leading them to innovations at the Global platforms.

Conclusion-

There is a visible and significant increase in class participation and scores attained. The transformation of withdrawn and disinterested student- group to self-motivated leaders is a reward worth the effort put in the action research project. Other manifold benefits are enhanced self-esteem, oratory skills and tolerance levels of students. Self and Peer Assessment techniques have also been learnt by students. The staff members and I joined hands in planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation of Hands-on activities. The positive impact of the teaching strategy of using flex books, flipped class room technique and various Hands-on activities complemented with collaborative group learning and differential instructions. The performance of the students has improved notably and they have started taking keen interest in their respective classrooms.

Keywords

PEER ASSESSMENT, COLLABORATIVE, FLIPPED CLASSROOM, PRE-TEST SCORES, GLOBAL PLATFORM, ORATORY SKILLS.

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Article No : 17

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