For years, traditional higher education was associated with structured classroom lectures and theoretical exams. However, the changing nature of the education system is making practical courses focused on so-called soft skills increasingly popular. This article describes the phenomenon of experiential learning, which has been gaining momentum in recent years, and examines its multifaceted benefits and changing paradigms of knowledge transfer. As educational institutions adapt to the evolving demands of the modern world, experiential learning stands out as a powerful tool to prepare students for the complex scenarios that reality surprises them with.

Definition of experiential teaching

Experiential teaching focuses on student engagement and reflection on the issues discussed. Unlike passive learning, it encourages students to actively solve problems of the modern world. This approach allows young people to move from the position of passive recipients of knowledge to active participants in their own education. By putting theoretical concepts into practice, students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the discussed phenomena and, at the same time, remember the material better.

Forms of experiential learning

a. Internships and cooperative programs with businesses: Experiences such as these allow students to gain essential practice in professional environments, offering them insight into the real-life tasks that businesses face. During internships, students not only gain practical skills, but also have the opportunity to make valuable contacts and receive job offers, connecting the academic and professional worlds.

b. Teaching that serves society: Integrating social activities with learning enriches the educational experience and cultivates civic responsibility among students. 

c. Study abroad programs: This is not only a cultural exchange, but also an opportunity to look at academic subjects and various teaching methodologies from a different perspective. In recent years, the trend toward the creation of academic alliances that offer attractive scholarship programs has become widespread. One example is the Erasmus+ program, which makes exchanges between European universities easier. Under this initiative, students have the opportunity to go on short educational trips, during which they attend special lectures and workshops. Another prestigious program is the Chevening scholarship, funded by the British government. It enables outstanding scholars from around the world, including Poland, to undertake graduate studies in the UK. The practical experience and networking opportunities offered by such visits and scholarships are invaluable, as they broaden students’ horizons and prepare them for global challenges.

The main benefits of experiential learning

a. Recognizing various learning styles: educational institutions are diversifying their teaching methods to satisfy diverse learning styles, moving from traditional lectures to practical experiences and group projects.

b. Meeting employers’ expectations: Companies are increasingly looking for graduates who not only possess extensive theoretical knowledge, but also have practical experience. The demands of today’s job market only increase the attractiveness of experiential learning.

c. The ability to solve problems in the real world: Dealing with global challenges requires not only knowledge, but also the ability to apply that knowledge effectively. Experiential learning provides students with problem-solving skills and the ability to deal with dynamically changing realities.

d. Developing soft and hard skills: Experiential learning improves both soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and adaptation to changing conditions, and hard skills, including analytical thinking, leadership and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers.

e. Career clarity: Early exposure to the professional world helps students define their career path with precision, making them more competitive in a dynamic job market.

f. Civic participation: Learning through social activities develops a sense of civic engagement and responsibility. In the long term, such arrangements contribute to building a more inclusive, open and democratic society.

Prospects for the future

a. Equal access to education: Ensuring that all students, regardless of their economic situation, have equal access to student exchanges and work placements will be absolutely essential. Universities must act to provide students with financial support and eliminate barriers to young people’s participation in experiential learning.

b. Quality control of education: Maintaining the quality of experiential learning is crucial as it becomes widespread. Universities should ensure that such programs are well planned and implemented.

c. Integration of experiential learning: Effectively combining experiential learning with traditional teaching, while maintaining high educational standards, requires careful planning and consistent implementation.

Summary

Education is constantly evolving, moving from systems based on imparting theoretical knowledge to solutions that focus on developing practical skills among students. By adopting a variety of experiential learning methods, universities will be able to shape graduates who are not only academically proficient, but also well prepared to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Such solutions will enable universities to better prepare students for the demands of today’s job market and shape in them the skills necessary to become informed citizens who are engaged in society.