Experiential Learning in School-Based Agricultural Education

Abstract

Hands-on learning or learning by doing is a long-term tenet of agricultural education, yet hands-on learning and experiential learning do not share the same meaning. Experience alone does not ensure an experiential learning cycle. In Dewey's and Kolb's writings, experience itself does not inherently contain meaning, and it is an educator's task to design and evaluate these experiences. When conducting a literature review on experiential learning and agricultural education, evidence exists that shows a lack of understanding of experiential learning theory, specifically its application in lesson design and instruction. This chapter outlines several areas of inquiry necessary to understand experiential learning in the context of agricultural education, specifically its application and implementation within agricultural education programs. The researchers recommend educating current and future agricultural educators on experiential learning theory and studying the most effective methods for instructing agricultural educators on experiential learning.