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Abstract
This essay introduces a collection of past articles from the Journal of Experiential Education (JEE) focused on the concept of experiential learning. It outlines the historical trajectory of the concept beginning with human relations training practices beginning in 1946, as it came to be understood as a naturally occurring psychological process and a grounding for pedagogical reforms. The eight articles included in the issue reflect the way JEE authors have contended with problems arising from the concept’s departure from its origins in practice. We suggest that experiential learning’s evolution into a general theory was accomplished by decoupling it from its roots in a particular social practice and ideology, and then focusing on the concept’s technical problems. It is now important for researchers to revisit assumptions underpinning current theory and practice, situate research on experiential learning in wider practical and scholarly traditions, and develop new vocabularies concerning the relationship between experience and learning in educational programs.
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Articles in This Theme Collection (Full Access at the JEE Website With Subscription)
Section:
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Greenberg, G. (1978). The community as a learning resource. Journal of Experiential Education, 1(2), 22-25. Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
|
Coleman, J. S. (1979). Experiential learning and information assimilation: Toward an appropriate mix. Journal of Experiential Education, 2(1), 6-9. Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
|
Shuttenberg, E. M., Poppenhagen, B. W. (1980). Current theory and research in experiential learning for adults. Journal of Experiential Education, 3(1), 27-31. Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
|
Joplin, L. (1981). On defining experiential education. Journal of Experiential Education, 4(1), 17-20. Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
|
Gass, M. A. (1985). Programming the transfer of learning in adventure education. Journal of Experiential Education, 8(3), 18-24. Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
|
Paisley, K., Furman, N., Sibthorp, J., Gookin, J. (2008). Student learning in outdoor education: A case study from the national outdoor leadership school. Journal of Experiential Education, 30(3), 201-222. Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
|
Schenck, J., Cruickshank, J. (2015). Evolving kolb: Experiential education in the age of neuroscience. Journal of Experiential Education, 38(1), 73-95. Google Scholar | SAGE Journals | |
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Bell, M. (1993). What constitutes experience? Rethinking theoretical assumptions. Journal of Experiential Education, 16(1), 19-24. Google Scholar | SAGE Journals |
