THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HOSPITALITY EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FROM ACADEMIC AND INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

This study aims to review experiential learning in hospitality education through its implementation and explores lecturer and industry perceptions with regards to effectiveness of the adopted experiential learning methods. Focus group discussions have been conducted amongst lecturers and hotel industry. This research used a qualitative method for the lecturers of hospitality and tourism courses and amongst industry professionals. The qualitative research interview seeks to describe the meanings of central themes in the life of the subjects. The main task at the interview stage is understanding what the interviewees have to say. This study reveals wide utilization of experiential learning activities in hospitality education. In general, experiential learning is said to be more effective than traditional classroom learning according to lecturers and the hospitality industry; with experiential learning activities believed to being effectively implemented. Several suggestions are given in this paper to provide support to hospitality educators on how to improve the utilization of experiential learning methods to facilitate student learning.