What Do We Actually Mean by Experiential Learning?

Abstract

The concept of “experiential learning” is used in a wide range of connections and situations with a different meaning and content. It is the aim of this article to try to find a common definition or demarcation of the concept. First, some earlier attempts are examined. However, they are not found satisfactory, and it is claimed that to come closer to an appropriate definition, it is necessary to relate to a comprehensive and contemporary general understanding of learning and from this to try and discern which kinds of learning could be termed experiential and which could not. The article then attempts to perform this task and concludes by suggesting a definition or formulation characterizing some important features of experiential learning seen in contrast to nonexperiential learning.