Practical routes to knowledge: Discovery-based experiential learning is a powerful learning method that promotes the understanding and application of knowledge by focussing on practical experiences. The approach boosts learners’ self-confidence by making them realise that they are already experts on the learning topic in many ways due to their own life experiences. The method strengthens their own resources, increases motivation and enables deeper access to theory.
Practice-orientated and experience-based as a first step: Discovery-based experiential learning focuses on practical experiences and the participants’ personal experiences. The key point is that before theoretical knowledge is imparted, learners reflect on their own experiences on the topic. This is done through interventions such as personal journaling (i.e. writing down experiences and thoughts without censoring oneself according to the motto: thinking while writing); dialogues with colleagues or resource-oriented, collegial mini-interviews (e.g. appreciative inquiry).
Theory as a second step: Theory is only taught after the learners have gathered and discussed their own practical experiences. This strengthens their own resources, considerably simplifies access to theory and creates a deeper connection to it. Learners recognise the practical relevance better and can internalise the theoretical knowledge more easily. This promotes a deeper understanding and makes it easier to apply the knowledge in different situations.
Strengthening one’s own resources: Discovery-based experiential learning promotes the development and strengthening of one’s own resources. By dealing with real challenges from everyday working life, learners gain self-confidence, problem-solving skills and practical expertise.
Motivation to learn and activity: Discovery-based experiential learning promotes the intrinsic motivation and activity of learners. They are actively involved in the learning process as they act, experiment and solve problems themselves. This leads to deeper engagement and a lasting learning experience.
Simplify access to theory: As theory is presented in the context of real-life experiences, access to theory is greatly simplified. Learners recognise the practical relevance and are better able to internalise the theoretical knowledge. This promotes a deeper understanding and facilitates the application of knowledge in different situations.