Experience as the Base for Learning

ABSTRACT This paper starts with the experience of the author and presents a perspective on teaching and learning in higher education which regards the experience of the learner as primary. The experience which is to be taken into account includes both that prior to the current learning event and that which is prompted by it. Emphasis is given to learning of all kinds in the cognitive, affective and conative realms. In the paper some propositions about learning from experience are outlined, a model of learning from experience is discussed and implications are drawn for the design of courses and subjects. Major areas for development are identified as those of recognising and responding to prior learning, developing reflective practice and self‐assessment skills, and using problem‐based, holistic and contextualised learning approaches.

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