Assignment 4: Experiential Learning

 

Experiential Learning 

by Caroline Everidge

Commented On:

Lauren Means

 

Project Title: Bros & Barbells

 

Goal: Improve overall physical health of men in recovery from substance use disorders.

 

Learning Objectives:

Participants will

©      Complete self-reflection of current physical activity level and experience with various physical activities

©      Participate in trial of physical activities

©      Complete self-reflection of trial physical activity experience

©      Implement new daily physical activity actions with small group

©      Complete weekly self-reflection logs

 

Rationale:

This curriculum was modified using Experiential Learning Theory (ELT). As Dewey once stated, “all genuine education comes about through experience” (Merriam & Baumgartner, 2020, p. 198). This idea is further supported by Kolb: “learning is a continuous process grounded in experience” (Merriam & Baumgartner, 2020, p.197) Kolb’s model of ELT is a four-stage, continuous process.

1.      Concrete Experience (do it and experience it)

2.      Reflective Observation (observe and reflect)

3.      Abstract Conceptualization (new ideas)

4.      Active Experimentation (apply it)

These four stages are evident in the design of Bros & Barbells.

Source: Adapted from Kolb (1984)

 

Design:

Activity	Description	Timeframe/Duration	Rationale
Initial self-reflection	Participants will complete a self-reflection of current physical activity levels and personal experiences with various types of physical activity (see attached)	Prior to first session	Reflective Observation
Engage in physical activity	Participants will engage in four forms of physical activity	Week 1 –yoga   Week 2 –weight lifting   Week 3 –cardio-fitness class   Week 4 –sport-fitness class	Concrete Experience
Group Reflection	Participants will engage in a three-part reflection each week.	Reflection 1 – Group reflection of previous week’s physical activity   Reflection 2 – Group reflection during each activity session   Reflection 3 – Final group reflection at end of week 4	Reflective Observation
Select physical activity	Participants will self-select which of the forms of physical activity they wish to focus on over the next three months.	Week 5 session	Abstract Conceptualization
Small group fitness	Participants will engage in self-selected form of physical activity with a small group three times per week over the course of three months.	Three months	Active Experimentation
Independent Reflection	Participants will reflect on their three-month small group fitness activities	Independent weekly fitness journals throughout the three months	Reflective Observation

 

Attachments:

Initial Self-Reflection

Group Reflection Prompts

Weekly Reflection Questions

 

References:

Merriam, S. B., & Baumgartner, L. (2020). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive
guide (4th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.