Experiential Learning isn’t the only approach as to how we can tackle new intake of knowledge.
Another approach to learning is Inquiry-Based Learning, in which Lauren Ingbrigtson blog describes it in stages, making it easy to follow. The process of learning is 1. Fuelling Curiosity (Inquire) 2. Research 3. Present data 4. Reflecting. When reading the process, it reminded me of the Indigenous Experiential Learning Cycle. A connection I made based on the stages Lauren explained was the process of scientific research. Like most, if not all, science theories is revolved around Inquiry-Based learning. Scientist questions the phenomenon of the world around us, such as why clouds form, or how plants grow. Then a hypothesis is created based on previous knowledge, a starting point for the curiosity. With the hypothesis, extensive research and experiments are needed to finally present data to identify if the hypothesis is correct or incorrect. A keynote that I want to highlight with Lauren’s post that changed my view of the Inquiry-Based Learning approach was that when reflecting “not only can this stage incorporate individual reflection but peer reflection as well” (Ingbrigston 2021) which is extremely important to remember. It is often the people forget that there are different perspectives upon what has been taught. Knowing that it is okay that seeing different viewpoints can enhance our knowledge and sense of understanding.
An approach that I appreciate is Cooperative Learning, an approach I heard about on Yiran’s Blog. Cooperative learning is a method in which, despite the difference in interests, values, abilities, or backgrounds, students can cooperate within a group and create a product for the teacher based on their learning. Yiran states that there an increase in the contribution of answers and feedbacks within the class when there is group work rather than an individual’s response. The tasks required are those that require different perspectives upon the answer, which makes learning so unique. As someone who is constantly working with children can agree that there are many more viewpoints within children than what teachers think there are. In a way, cooperative learning can also help those who don’t understand by the different interpretation from their peers, due to the language that may sound more familiar to them, or the confidence of being in a setting other than someone of “superior” power such as a teacher. With a whole year of zoom classes, it was nice to have break-out rooms and include cooperative learning into each session. In a way, it brought togetherness and understanding of the situations everyone is going through. The best thing about cooperative learning that Yiran mentions too is the learning approach can be used in an educational setting and our everyday life, such as communications with people such as family, friends, or even coworkers. The importance of cooperative learning plays a big role in social interaction in which Yiran explains very well.
Be sure to check out Lauren Ingbrigtson and Yiran’s Blog to read more about their description of the given learning approaches from above!