• Home
• Cooking clubs
• Teaching guides
• Evaluation tools
• Working with youth
• Research & reports
• Additional resources

Space

Space

Experiential Learning

What it is. In 4-H Youth Development experiential learning is often referred to as the “learn-by-doing” approach to teaching. It means that learning is based on the experiences of participants. Adults have an important role in facilitating this discovery process but it is very different from an information-laden, lecture approach to teaching.

Why it matters. Experiential learning supports positive youth development. Adults who use this method to teach can observe how young people gain personal and social skills. Programs using this teaching approach are meaningful and engaging for both adult facilitators and youth participants. During the experiential learning process:

• Participants help shape the learning experience.
• A discovery approach allows youth to interact with his/her environment.
• Youth interact with peers and adults through conversation.
• Multi-faceted sensory experiences accommodate varied learning styles.

As a result of successful experiential learning:

• Youth are fully engaged in learning.
• Youth gain confidence and self-efficacy.
• Youth master skills.
• Youth express creativity.
• Youth solve problems, make decisions.
• Youth are motivated to learn more.
• Youth remember more from the learning experience.
• Youth gain life skills that can be transferable to other situations.
• Adults spend less time dealing with discipline issues.
• Adults can more readily observe what youth gain from the program.

What it means. Teaching using the experiential model is not quick and easy. A youth-centered focus can seem more chaotic, and it may be less comfortable for some adults. Being able to share control of the learning process with youth participants requires patience and practice. It also requires very thoughtful planning and organization to provide an environment that is both structured and flexible. Some tips for getting started include the following: 

• Set boundaries for the group.
• Decide what choices will be provided.
• Define a sequential, multi-session learning experience.
• Identify concepts and learning activities.
• Limit the number of concepts to be explored.
• Allow youth to discover concepts.
• Provide time, space, tools, and encouragement.
• Facilitate conversations among participants.
• Model respect for different discoveries and opinions.

Find out more:
The Learn-By-Doing Approach to Life Skill Development