Examine an Experiential Learning Activity

Examine an experiential learning activity

Introduction

What makes an effective learning is always a great topic under discussion. Especially in Hong Kong, students are generally brought up by spoon-feeding education and are under great pressure in undertaking public examinations. Yet, is effective learning always being taken place? How much do students nowadays benefit from the present education? As an active Girl Guiding member since Primary 4, I experience that learning is not only taken place inside classroom, but through participating in student activities outside classroom as well.

If joining student activities simply for fun, it's certain there's not much value at all. Rather, we should have Experiential Learning, which is a process of learning from experience through reviewing. Dewey (1938) suggested that education should be focused on learning-by-doing rather than rote learning and dogmatic instruction. He then promoted the belief that learning from reflection on doing. He believes that effective experiential learning should include two characteristics, that's 'continuity' and 'interaction'.

It is not a must to have a teacher exists in experiential learning. It is all related to making direct personal experience naturally. However, in order to achieve better from an experience, certain abilities are required. Kolb (1984) suggests that there are four stages in experiential learning cycle. They are 'Concrete Experiences', followed by 'Observation and Reflections'. These mean that participants must be willing to be actively involved and be able to reflect through observation. In addition, 'Abstract Conceptualization' and 'Active Experimentation' are important. Participants must be able to analysis and conceptualize the experience; thus be able to have problem solving skills. This can be then allowing participants to use new ideas gained from the experience. All these may begin at any stage, but must follow each other in the sequence. These may also happen in a flash or months depending on the topic.

Since 'Reviewing' plays a crucial part in experiential learning, in the following essay, an experiential learning activity which I have participated personally will be shared and reviewed. The event is called 'Juliette Low Seminar'. After talking about the background of activity, the reviewing technique suggested by Greenway (1993), that's the 'Fact', 'Feeling', 'Finding' and 'Future' will be used to review the experience.

Background and objectives of the activity

'Juliette Low Seminar' is held twice every three years. It is organized by The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Young women from around the world are provided a platform to share views and experiences. Through which, a sense of universal citizenship is developed and leadership skills are enhanced. Most importantly, participants can appreciate the cultural differences and broaden international understanding, so as to prepare for national and international leadership.

In the year I joined the event, it was held in Sangam, which is one of the World Centres of Girl Guides, located in Pune, India. Participants attended sessions on all aspects of leadership and leadership development. There were opportunities to visit local organizations to discuss leadership in an Indian context.

FACT

It was my first time I travelled on my own out of town. The flight took me more than 10 hours and I'm the only Chinese on the plane. It was unlucky that it was delayed for 4 hours even. Upon arrived in Pune, which is a small infamous city in India, it was already 3:30am. I was extremely nervous that no one will pick me up from the airport but finally I met a man who held up a sign with my name on it. He drove me to the centre which took me 4 hours.

After a long travel journey, participates were welcome by the friendly staff in Sangam. We stayed in a dormitory which stayed with 8 youth delegates. After a short rest, our first program was the event orientation followed by tour of Sangam. We were taught to say 'Namaste' (a Sanskrit word that means, "I give respect to you") before introducing ourselves. After the dinner, all delegates dressed up smartly with their official uniform to attend the welcoming ceremony. It was organized in an Indian style.

There are many valuable experiences. We made a moving truck and stationary pyramid out of people. We visited a local community. We learned more about our personalities through colours and shapes. We have also expanded our knowledge about WAGGGS and been reminded that we share a connection that is based upon our common Mission and Vision.

One of the interesting activities we had was that we were divided into business groups and told that the Maharani of Pune would be visiting us and challenging us to present plans for the construction of a palace for her and his Highness, the Maharaja. The Maharani was duly impressed with all of our presentations and was still in discussion with her most trusted advisor Nadine over which business group to choose for the illustrious task.

Apart from having training in the centre, we visited the place where Ghandi was imprisoned for a number of years, that's Aga Khan Palace. An octogenarian lady who had met Ghandi told us how his leadership style had made a big impression on her life and motivated her to pioneer the emancipation of women.

We were also fortunate enough to be able to visit three non-government organizations that are doing great work in their local community. The Mobile Crèche is a centre where non-formal education takes place. It is basically for the children of the workers on construction sites and it aims at protecting children from accidents while educating them.

Another interesting experience was that we had free time to do some shopping and learn more about the Indian culture. Some of us were extremely lucky to be invited into the home of a local Indian family to celebrate the Pune festival and experience the local culture first hand.

As an international event, it is a tradition for Girl Guides to have an international night. It was a night of music and dancing, colour and lights, as each participant dressed up in their nation's finest for the Night. We were transported to each country represented there in the matter of seconds, from dancing in the streets of the Philippines, to playing children's games in Africa, to singing in Spanish, to learning how to properly use chopsticks, as introduced by me. Our heads and hearts were spinning from our travels and the sights and sounds of so many