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Experiential Learning

Enhancing Academic Validity of Experiential Learning in

In spite of the fact that experiential learning that consists of "practicum experiences, credit for prior learning and service learning" (Hickcox, 2002) has become increasingly popular in recent years, it is still stigmatized as an informal and invalid form of academic learning. According to traditional educators, experiential learning, unlike formal learning, cannot ensure that all the relevant content of the course has been covered (Hickcox, 2002). Moreover, the learning outcomes for the students also cannot be easily ascertained through experiential learning, thus further undermining its academic validity (Dinmore, 1997).

At the same time, many adult educators recognize that adult students should be able to convert their significant work and life experiences from non-academic settings into college credit. In other words, these work and life experiences should be considered a legitimate form of learning that is on par with formal education. Moreover, unlike younger students who are used to formal instruction, adult students prefer to engage in experiential learning in which they are able to apply their learning in practical activities or real-life settings. Essentially, adult students want their learning to have practical value in their life (Dinmore, 1997).

In order to reconcile these two seemingly perspectives on experiential learning in adult education, it is vital to consider how the academic status of experiential learning can be enhanced. This paper will thus explore this issue by identifying various ways to increase the academic validity of experiential learning.

The question that is address in this paper is: "How can the academic validity of experiential learning in adult education be increased, such that it is considered to be at least on par with formal instruction?" One way to respond to this question is to identify different approaches ...

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Experiential Learning. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 07:00, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1683531.html