This Tip discusses interactive learning versus experiential learning. One is mental and verbal, while the other is emotional and physical.
We often consider interactive learning activities and experiential learning activities interchangeable. However, it is possible to make a distinction between them.
Interactive Learning Activities
Interactive learning strategies engage learners mentally and verbally. The learners to actively participate and verbally respond within the learning environment. Group discussion, case studies, questionnaires, and crossword puzzles easily fall within this category. In summary, interactive learning activities involve mental stimulation and verbal expression.
Experiential Learning Activities
Experiential learning activities engage learners physically, mentally and emotionally in a multisensory experience. This category can involve simulation, visualization, dramatization, role plays and physical movement. In summary, experiential learning activities require emotional stimulation and physical expression.
An Activity Can be Both Interactive and Experiential
However, the design and facilitation of a learning activity will ultimately determine whether it is interactive, experiential, or both.
For example, we can add physical movement to almost any interactive activity by:
- having groups stand together,
- moving participants into different pairings, or
- adding a walking component.
When we do this, the result is a learning activity that is both.
Building an activity around a meaningful metaphor can add an emotional component to an interactive activity by tapping into the participants’ experiential memories.
Summary
Bottom line: The more the learners are engaged and stimulated mentally, emotionally, and physically, the more likely they are to learn and to retain what they have learned.
There are approximately ten broad categories of interactive or experiential learning strategies.
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