World Journal of Chemical Education. 2017, 5(5), 180-184
DOI: 10.12691/WJCE-5-5-7
Special Issue

Organizing the Experiential Learning Activities in Teaching Science for General Education in Vietnam

Cao Cu Giac1, , Tran Thi Gai1 and Phan Thi Thanh Hoi2

1Pedagogical Institute of Natural Science, Vinh University, Vietnam

2Department of Biology, Ha Noi National University of Education, Vietnam

Pub. Date: October 27, 2017
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Teaching Chemistry is Associated with Reality)

Cite this paper

Cao Cu Giac, Tran Thi Gai and Phan Thi Thanh Hoi. Organizing the Experiential Learning Activities in Teaching Science for General Education in Vietnam. World Journal of Chemical Education. 2017; 5(5):180-184. doi: 10.12691/WJCE-5-5-7

Abstract

Experiential learning is the ultimate way to match learning with the practical application, consisting of gaining knowledge and development of skills at the same time. The article analyzes the nature and role of experiential learning activities in teaching. The experiential learning model of David Kolb is the theoretical foundation for the design and organization for the experiential learning activities that contributes to the proactivity in learning activities for students through 4 stages: (i) concrete experience, (ii) reflective observation, (iii) abstract conceptualization, and (iv) active experimentation. In this article, we introduce the experiential learning activities model that supports learners to apply theoretical knowledge into practice, as well as demonstrating these activities in the case study of teaching the topic “Mineral Nutrition” in teaching “Science” in the general education curriculum of Vietnam.

Keywords

experiential learning, experiential learning activities, experiential activities, teaching science, mineral elements, mineral nutrients

Copyright

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References

[1]  Itin, C.M., “Reasserting the philosophy of experiential education as a vehicle for change in the 21st century”, Journal of Experiential Education, 22(2), pp. 91-98, 1999.
 
[2]  Chickering, A., Experience and Learning: An Introduction to Experiential Learning, New Rochelle, NY: Change Magazine Press. p. 63, 1977.
 
[3]  Andresen, L., Boud, D., and Cohen, R., Experience-Based Learning, in Foley, G., Understanding Adult Education and Training, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, second edition, pp 225-239, 2000.
 
[4]  Sakofs, M., Opinion: Opportunity and adversit, In K. Warren, M. Sakofs & J. Hunt. (Eds.), The theory of experiential education, Dubuque, IO: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, pp. 441-443, 1995.
 
[5]  Chapman, S., McPhee, P., & Proudman, B., What is Experiential Education?, In Warren, K. (Ed.), The Theory of Experiential Education, Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, pp. 235-248, 1995.
 
[6]  Bybee, R.W., The teaching of science: 21st century perspectives, United States: NSTA press, 2010.
 
[7]  Hmelo-Silver, C., Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn? Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), pp. 235-266, 2004.
 
[8]  Visconti, C. F., Problem-based learning: Teaching skills for evidence-based practice, Perspectives on Issues in Higher Education, 13, pp. 27-31, 2010.
 
[9]  Hoachlander, G., Bringing industry to the classroom, Educational Leadership, 65(8), 22-27, 2008.
 
[10]  Silverstein, S. S., Dubner, J., Miller, J., Glied, S., & Loike, J. D., Teachers’ participation in research programs improves their students’ achievement in science, Science, 326, pp. 440-442, 2009.
 
[11]  Kolb, D., Experiential Learning: experience as the source of learning and development, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1984.
 
[12]  Kolb, D. A., Boyatzis, R., & Mainemelis, C., Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions, In R. Sternberg & L. Zhang (Eds.), Perspectives on cognitive learning, and thinking styles, Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, pp. 228-247, 2000.
 
[13]  Clark, R. W., Threeton, M. D., & Ewing, J. C., The potential of experiential learning models and practices in career and technical education & career and technical teacher education, Journal of Career and Technical Education, 25(2), pp. 46-62, 2010.
 
[14]  Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A., The learning way: Meta–cognitive aspects of experiential learning, Simulation & Gaming, 40, 297-327, 2009.
 
[15]  Kolb, D. A., Learning styles and disciplinary differences, The modern American college, 232-255, 1981.
 
[16]  Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A, Kolb Learning Style Inventory workbook version 3.2, Philadelphia, PA: HayGroup, 2013.
 
[17]  Mick Healey & Alan Jenkins, Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Its Application in Geography in Higher Education, Journal of Geography, 99:5, 185-195, 2000.
 
[18]  Svinicki, D., Dixon, M., The Kolb model modified for Classroom Activities, College Teaching, vol 35, No.4, pp 141, 1987.