Master the Art of Experiential Learning: EDUCATOR THOUGHTS, #3

Foreword

Prof. Dr. Cyriac Thomas

Former Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, & Head of the Department of Political Science, St Thomas College, Pala

Education has become a household term, in almost all conditions in most languages of the world. The wise men of the East and West from early times used this concept to refer to efforts initiated and worked out in the field of learning. Emperors and scholars in the western hemisphere, as well as rulers and sages in the eastern or oriental spheres also were familiar with the depth and scope of ‘education’.

As in Athens, Rome, or China, and certainly in India, education has traditionally remained a teacher-centric mechanism and process. In Athens, it was known as ‘Plato’s School’ or ‘Aristotle’s Academy’, and in India revered with the reputed term ‘Gurukul’ under the stewardship of well-known gurus or masters. The system and style of the learning process were in tune with the methodology propounded by the heads of particular traditions. People from far and near hastened to join such reputed centers of learning in those days.

No education system or ‘schema’ can remain staid for long. New visions, perspectives and patterns were discovered and introduced to match the expectations of the times in tune with the changes taking place all around. Schemes and techniques naturally get updated on the basis of the wisdom and suggestions put forward by seasoned scholars and masters here and abroad alike.

Learning skills get reformed, reshaped, and restructured everywhere in line with local, regional, and global adaptations that happen all around. Moral perspectives and taboos give way to modern, materialistic preferences.

A seasonal review of even established values was found not only natural and necessary but even inevitable in the relentless march of time. Even conservative gurus of conventional traditions had to give in to makeup – or to use a current phrase, to ‘make in’, adjusting to emerging realities. Theories gave way to ‘techniques’ or ‘skills’ to make workplaces more comfortable.

The world and life have become highly competitive these days. The pressures of life and work, to use the new term ‘profession,’ seem to have crossed all barriers, making the Z-Gen professionals labor under awful stress and strain. As an antidote, they make their weekends both physically and mentally as far away from their workplaces, precisely to forget the tensions and pains of their workday world.

The tragedy lies in that the educational process of our times happens to be in no way providing any precautionary measures to equip our youth to confront the harsh realities of life’s challenges and consequent lapses and failures to offer appropriate skill development mechanisms in our alternative systemic reforms in the emerging efforts to redesign and restructure our educational edifice.

It is here I realize the significance and relevance of the book MASTER THE ART OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, authored by Dr P.K Roy, a brilliant teacher and outstanding principal of a premier educational institution, besides his credentials as an educational leader and administrator of the first order. Like any right-thinking educator, Dr Roy visualizes the transformation of classrooms into effective grounds for skill development of the promising ‘youth brigade’ of our times.

It is high time we changed our vision and perspectives about the learning scenario. Indeed, education and learning have come to a crossroads where we are left with no option but to choose the right direction to reach the correct destination.

The very opening lines of the dedication of the book by the author are indeed heartwarming. It reflects, on the one hand, the love he has for his teachers, and on the other, his appreciation of their commitment to their call for this divine vocation. The author’s words of dedication also prove and reiterate the saying that ‘Good teachers alone can produce good students.’

I believe the author himself is the best proof for both. And this book remains the best certification for his quality range as a teacher, an authentic author, and a well-acclaimed educational administrator of our times.

Prof. Dr. Cyriac Thomas

Former Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, &

Head of the Department of Political Science, St Thomas College, Pala.

​Preface

Welcome to "Master the Art of Experiential Learning!" As we look at the ever-changing demands of today’s world, it’s clear that education systems need to evolve. In order to equip learners with essential skills for the future, we must move beyond traditional lecture-based methods that often lack engagement. These conventional approaches frequently fall short when it comes to cultivating critical thinking, encouraging problem-solving, and sparking creativity. David A. Kolb, a prominent American educational theorist, is best known for his work on experiential learning, including the development of the Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and the Kolb Learning Cycle—a framework that emphasizes learning as a continuous process grounded in experience. According to Kolb, experiential learning, which involves active engagement in real-world scenarios, offers a meaningful alternative by fostering skills through direct, and practical involvement.

With over twenty years’ experience in education, I have seen the powerful impact of experiential learning in the classroom. This book is a product of my commitment to this field, combining research, hands-on practice, and a deep enthusiasm for teaching methods that make a difference. My aim is to support educators at all levels with practical guidance on effectively incorporating experiential learning strategies into their teaching.

In the following chapters, you’ll find a range of practical insights and techniques designed to enrich your teaching approach. We’ll explore the core principles of experiential learning, such as designing impactful learning experience, promoting active participation, and evaluating students’ progress. These elements together create an enriched learning environment where students feel connected and engaged.

Whether you’re an experienced teacher or just starting your journey, this book offers tools to create engaging and practical learning experiences. Picture teaching physics by building model rockets or exploring ecosystems with a classroom garden. Activities like these help students connect what they learn to real life, making it easier to understand. For example, a math lesson on percentages could involve planning a budget for a fictional event. Such activities not only make learning enjoyable but also spark curiosity.

You’ll learn how to design activities that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications and provoke enthusiasm and deeper interest in your students.

Rather than asking students to memorize facts, try asking questions that encourage them to think critically. For instance, in a history lesson, you might ask, What if a certain historical event hadn’t happened? This approach helps students analyze ideas, evaluate them, and come up with creative solutions to problems. These skills prepare them to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.

Students also benefit greatly from working together.