Benefits of Experiential Learning in Math Education

Do you find math an abstract concept with theorems and formulas? Math is not just a subject, it is a lifetime journey of discovery and problem-solving. However, due to the lack of engagement and learning through experiences, math remains dry and daunting for many students.

Making math enjoyable and a lifelong pursuit is where the concept of experiential learning truly shines. In this article, we will explore experiential learning and how it helps transform math education into an interactive and immersive learning experience that fosters creativity, confidence, and curiosity in young minds.

What Is Experiential Learning in Math?

Experiential learning refers to the process of learning through experiences. According to David Allen Kolb’s learning theory, there are four experiential steps in the cycle of the experiential learning process. The four steps are experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting. 

• Experiencing: The process of concrete experiences.

• Reflecting: The process of reflection on the experiences. 

• Thinking: The process of abstract conceptualization of reflections on experiences. 

• Acting: The process of experimenting with what you have learned from reflecting and conceptualizing your experiences.

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The Advantages of Learning Through Experience

• Improvement in understanding the concepts: With the implication of real-world applications and hands-on exploration, understanding the concepts becomes easier.

• Enhanced problem-solving abilities: Active engagement in experimentation and exploration helps in the improvement of problem-solving skills. The experiential approach helps students develop the ability to examine a problem from different perspectives to have a better understanding of how it can be resolved feasibly. 

• Retention and recall: Active learning by applying math concepts to real-life problems reinforces improved retention and recall of the concepts in students. 

• Development of critical thinking:  Experiential learning encourages students to analyze situations using math concepts and conclude a decision fostering critical thinking. 

• Boost in confidence: By continuously applying math skills in the real world and reflecting on experiences students get a clear understanding of the concepts and their applications which helps boost confidence in math. 

• Practical learning: Learning through experiences helps beat the limitations of theoretical learning by constant implications of theory into real-life situations and practical implications. 

Learning through experiences fosters a lifelong learning habit from daily experiences. At the 98thPercentile, we offer programs on English, math, coding, and public speaking for grades k-12, specially designed to foster experiential learning with active participation for students. Don’t forget to book your free 2-week demo class to learn more about us. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. What is the experiential learning process?

A: Experiential learning is the process of learning from reflecting on experiences. 

Q2. What is the difference between experiential learning and hands-on learning?

A: Experiential learning is the process of learning from experiences, hands-on learning is a part of experiential learning but it doesn’t necessarily require reflection.

Q3. What are some examples of experiential learning?

A: Some examples of experiential learning are service learning, research, projects, etc. 

Q4. What does Kolb say about learning?

A: David Kolb introduces learning as an experiential learning process by experiencing, reflecting, thinking,  and acting. 

Q5. Who is David Kolb?

A: David Allen Kolb is an American educational theorist. 

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