Skill Development through Experiential Learning –A Case Study for Product Development Scenario

Abstract

Abstract In this work, a new educational model with experiential learning concept is proposed to address the skill gap between organizational expectations from their workforce and talent generated from the educational institutions. In this model, at first, skills expected from the workforce are identified across various domains and formed into modules. Then, each module is defined with required skill level and clear evaluation criteria to measure the skill level are framed. In the next stage, these modules are fitted into the syllabus of the curriculum and course content is mapped with outcomes along with expected cognitive level. The teaching and evaluation process, then, follows through experiential learning cycles until the students attain course outcomes with expected cognitive levels. Further the process will be repeated until the student’s cognitive level reaches the organizational expectations by refining the curriculum and course outcomes. The proposed method is illustrated with a case-study considering a product development scenario. The results are presented in the form of structure of data flow, specific domains and modules, evaluation criteria for specific modules to judge the skill level and illustration of experiential cycle with key parameters.