Jean Piaget
As we go through life we are introduced to many concrete experiences that help us to start to make sense of the environment and world around us. We learn many new things such as in the diagram to the left. When we engage in "assimilation' we are able to take new information and almost categorize it and place it where it belongs. Porpoises fall into the "fish" category. But as time goes on and the learner starts to acquire new knowledge they can start to form understandings that go deeper. Now not only is the porpoise classified as a "fish" but the individual can start to conceptualize and form the connection for example that animals that live in water breath air just like people.
Learners in adult hood are similar. Many adults have an understanding of the many concepts but have not really had opportunity to apply them to real life situations, hence hindering them from forming connections to other objects or concepts. Experiential learning provides opportunity for adults to "learn through discovery."
By providing opportunity for students to engage in complex problem based learning the students can start to take previous knowledge, connect it to new knowledge and form connections to the experience they are engaging in. They have opportunity to form outcomes that may not necessarily result in a final product or solution, but give them an opportunity to form and come up with new concepts and understandings.
Learners in adult hood are similar. Many adults have an understanding of the many concepts but have not really had opportunity to apply them to real life situations, hence hindering them from forming connections to other objects or concepts. Experiential learning provides opportunity for adults to "learn through discovery."
By providing opportunity for students to engage in complex problem based learning the students can start to take previous knowledge, connect it to new knowledge and form connections to the experience they are engaging in. They have opportunity to form outcomes that may not necessarily result in a final product or solution, but give them an opportunity to form and come up with new concepts and understandings.