Theory Name: Experiential Learning

Authors: Rogers, Carl

Associated Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory

Model Description
Roger’s theory of learning can be seen as an ID theory as it prescribes a learning environment that focuses on the following qualities in instruction; personal involvement, self-initiated projects, evaluated by learner, and pervasive effect of instruction on the learner.

Specification of Theory
(a) Goals and preconditions
Experiential learning addresses the needs and wants of the learner. A learner that is motivated to achieve a specific goal will be more likely to learn than an individual assigned to read for a grade.

(b) Principles
1. Significant learning takes place when the subject matter is relevant to the personal interests of the student
2. Learning which is threatening to the self (e.g., new attitudes or perspectives) are more easily assimilated when external threats are at a minimum
3. Learning proceeds faster when the threat to the self is low
4. Self-initiated learning is the most lasting and pervasive.

(c) Condition of learning
1. setting a positive climate for learning
2. clarifying the purposes of the learner(s)
3. organizing and making available learning resources,
4. balancing intellectual and emotional components of learning
5. sharing feelings and thoughts with learners but not dominating

(d) Required media
None

(e) Role of facilitator
To Rogers, experiential learning is equivalent to personal change and growth. Rogers feels that all human beings have a natural propensity to learn; the role of the teacher is to facilitate such learning

(f) Instructional strategies
1. The student participates completely in the learning process and has control over its nature and direction
2. Learning is primarily based upon direct confrontation with practical, social, personal or research problems
3. Self-evaluation is the principal method of assessing progress or success. Rogers also emphasizes the importance of learning to learn and an openness to change.

(g) Assessment method
Student engages in self-assessment. The teacher provides guidance as needed.

Formative Research & Application
(a) Tested context: Origins in psychotherapy and humanistic approach to psychology
(b) Research method: client centered therapy
(c) Research description
(d) Resources
http://tip.psychology.org/rogers.html