Reflections on Experiential Teaching Methods: Linking the Classroom to Practice

Abstract

This article explores the use of experiential teaching methods in social work education. The literature demonstrates that relying on experiential teaching methods in the classroom can have overwhelmingly positive learning outcomes; however, not much is known about the possible effect of these classroom methods on practice. On the basis of reflections from 3 courses, the author focuses on the potential effect of in-class methods on practice. The author argues that there are at least 3 ways in which these methods can affect practice: by extending learning beyond the confines of the course, by modeling skills and attitudes useful in practice, and by allowing students to experience events that might later be confronted in practice.

Keywords:

• experiential learning
• classroom
• social work practice