The Contribution of Experiential Learning to the Development of Cognitive and Social Skills in Secondary Education: A Case Study

Gianna Voukelatou

doi:10.3390/educsci9020127

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to approach the concept of experiential learning and describes the implementation of the project teaching method in a secondary school in Athens. In the framework of this study, we carried out qualitative research using the method of in-depth interview. We aimed at recording the views, perceptions, feelings and attitudes of 20 students that participated in the project “Traditional dances from different parts of Greece.” The results showed the significant impact of experiential learning on acquiring knowledge and developing social skills and students’ attitudes, while contributing to the promotion of cultural heritage and the values of tradition. This is an original research study that depicts experiential learning in teaching as well as analyzing the teaching method of the project in combination with other different experiential/energetic educational techniques. In general, trainers and scientists of pedagogy and school psychology can use the results to design and implement educational programs in schools of all educational levels based on the experiential teaching method of learning.

Highlights

The rapid socio-cultural developments and ever increasing educational needs gear towards new pedagogical approaches to the educational process
The overall purpose of the project was to learn the traditional dances and to participate in the local student festival organized by the local municipality
From the axes and the research questions, it was found that the participants had a positive experience in implementing the project about traditional dances

Summary

Introduction

The rapid socio-cultural developments and ever increasing educational needs gear towards new pedagogical approaches to the educational process. The concept of learning, according to Tight (2002) [1], is defined as the change in the level of knowledge, skills and attitudes of individuals. Shunk [2] considers that learning is the acquisition and modification of knowledge, skills, strategies, beliefs, attitudes and different behaviors such as the process in which the individual’s cognitive potential changes as a result of the diverse experiences the person is processing. Gardner (1983) [3] supported the theory of multiple intelligences and reported that there are eight types of intelligence: Musical, Bodily/Kinesthetic, Logical/Mathematical, Verbal/Linguistic, Visual/Spatial, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Naturalistic, which influence the process and effectiveness of learning.

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Discussion

Conclusion