Beard and Wilson (2013) unlock powerful experiential learning through their new conceptual framework: A six-tumbler learning combination lock (p. 7). They pride themselves in having brought together, for the first time (to their knowledge), all the core ingredients in a simple diagnostic tool.
The visual metaphor of six tumblers; represent from left to right:
- First, the learning environment within which the learning takes place—belonging. This comprises the people, the place and the space—where and with whom? The appropriateness of the learning environment strongly impacts the learning experience and is therefore an important consideration.
- The second part of the external environment is the learning activities—doing. What will the learners or students actually do? There are many different forms of potential learning opportunities.
- The third and fourth tumblers portray the how—representing respectively the senses (sensing) through which stimuli are received; and the emotions (feelings) from engaging. The stimuli from the external environment are internalized through interpretation.
- The fifth tumbler depicts reasoning or thinking, and engagement of the intellect (mind).
- The sixth tumbler, when aligned, ‘unlocks’ the learning—it represents the change or transformation within; the being of the learner.
The tumbler-pack represents a collective set of possible learning practices and the selection of options. These tumblers are metaphorically attached to a spindle and a dial. When the right combination is dialled, all the tumblers line up perfectly and unlocks.
Beard, C. and Wilson, J.P. 2013. Experiential Learning—A Handbook for Education, Training and Coaching, 3rd edit. London: Kogan Page.
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