Experiential learning – creating learning experiences with business impact

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to show the benefits of experiential learning for delivering business results, and to justify the cost of training in our current economic climate.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to examine the business and personal results gained from undertaking experiential learning courses across three different companies, and to show how they applied what was learnt to the workplace.

Findings

It was found that individuals from all three companies were able to use what they learnt on the courses and apply it back to the workplace, demonstrating real, measurable results.

Practical implications

The learning experiences themselves had a profound effect on individuals, however it was the shared experiences, learning from other delegates through feedback and rigorous follow‐up, that delivered business results. It was found that although experiential learning courses might be more expensive than traditional classroom‐based courses, the return on investment is much more significant as individuals learn much more easily through experience, remember what they have learnt for longer, and are more loyal and committed because of them.

Originality/value

The value of this article is to learning and development professionals or organizations wishing to find out about the most economic and engaging ways in which to approach learning and development.

Citation

Moody, R. (2012), "Experiential learning – creating learning experiences with business impact", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 16-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777281211225767