Plan, Do, Review
An Introduction to Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a learning approach that emphasizes learning by doing. It is based on the idea that people learn best by actively participating in experiences and reflecting on those experiences. This is shown in the Plan, Do, Review cycle model.
The International Award uses experiential learning in a number of ways. First, the Award's four activity areas (skills, physical recreation, voluntary service, and adventurous journey) are all designed to provide participants with opportunities to learn by doing. For example, a participant who chooses to learn a new skill will need to actively practice that skill in order to master it. Similarly, a participant who chooses to participate in physical recreation will need to actively engage in physical activity in order to improve their fitness.
Second, the Award encourages participants to reflect on their experiences. This reflection can be done formally, through journaling or other writing exercises, or informally, through conversations with friends, family, or mentors. Reflection helps participants to make sense of their experiences and to learn from them.
Third, the Award provides participants with support and guidance from mentors and other adults. This support can help participants to stay motivated and to overcome challenges. And lastly, the experiential learning model can be applied beyond the Award, for example, students could apply the Plan, Do, Review model into improving their academic performance.
Experiential learning is an important part of the International Award because it helps participants to develop a number of important skills and qualities, including:
Here are some specific examples of how experiential learning can promote student growth through International Award:
The International Award uses experiential learning in a number of ways. First, the Award's four activity areas (skills, physical recreation, voluntary service, and adventurous journey) are all designed to provide participants with opportunities to learn by doing. For example, a participant who chooses to learn a new skill will need to actively practice that skill in order to master it. Similarly, a participant who chooses to participate in physical recreation will need to actively engage in physical activity in order to improve their fitness.
Second, the Award encourages participants to reflect on their experiences. This reflection can be done formally, through journaling or other writing exercises, or informally, through conversations with friends, family, or mentors. Reflection helps participants to make sense of their experiences and to learn from them.
Third, the Award provides participants with support and guidance from mentors and other adults. This support can help participants to stay motivated and to overcome challenges. And lastly, the experiential learning model can be applied beyond the Award, for example, students could apply the Plan, Do, Review model into improving their academic performance.
Experiential learning is an important part of the International Award because it helps participants to develop a number of important skills and qualities, including:
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Resilience and perseverance
- A sense of accomplishment
Here are some specific examples of how experiential learning can promote student growth through International Award:
- A participant who chooses to learn a new skill, such as cooking, will need to actively practice that skill in order to master it. This will involve reading recipes, watching cooking videos, and then actually cooking food. The participant will need to reflect on their experiences, such as what went well and what could be improved.
- A participant who chooses to take part in an adventurous journey will need to face challenges and overcome obstacles. This will involve planning and organizing the journey, as well as dealing with unexpected events. The participant will need to reflect on their experiences, such as what they learned about themselves and what they are capable of. As students are required to do two advewntouous journeys, usually thay are much better prepared for the 2nd journey.