Next-level education: Experiential learning approaches you need to know

In the ever-evolving landscape of business education, educators are pioneering innovative approaches to experiential learning, transcending traditional boundaries by mixing two or more forms at a time.

We've reached out three faculty members from schools in Canada and the United States to explore their unique perspectives on experiential learning with a focus on how they are integrating the case method with other forms of experiential learning. Kyle Maclean, Assistant Professor of Management Science at Ivey Business School; Tawnya Means, Assistant Dean for Educational Innovation and Chief Learning Officer at Gies College of Business; and Bill Schiano, Professor of Computer Information Systems at Bentley University, shared their insights.

Kyle Maclean's approach: Bringing cases to life with games

Maclean emphasized the power of other methods of experiential learning like simulations to amplify the impact of the case method. In his classes, he likes to have students to compete on a game inspired by a case. For instance, he has run a “simulation” where students acted as the head of a network television channel, and had to decide when to cancel new shows or order pilots.

According to Maclean, these "alternative" experiential learning approaches elevate the effectiveness of the case method by bringing students even more into the “world” of the case. While the case method allows students to make decisions as the protagonist, in-class games take it a step further, providing a real-time, hands-on experience depicting the complexities of the business world.

"To me, a case works because it brings the student into the world of the protagonist. It lets them make the decision. But, even a case can’t fully replicate the environment. So when you have a timed simulation or a role-play, it goes that much further to putting the student into the mind/shoes of the protagonist," he said.

Tawnya Means' Experiential Learning Log (ELL)

Means has employed a multi-faceted strategy, blending other forms of experiential learning with short cases and simulations for both graduate and undergraduate students. As a researcher and practitioner in online and blended learning, she is known for exploring innovative approaches to enhance the learning experience through technology and promoting equitable access to educational resources.

One of the innovations she promotes is a tool she developed called the Experiential Learning Log (ELL), which leverages a mixture of technological tools and pedagogically sound teaching to offer scalable and flexible experiential learning. Originally conceived as an enhancement to simulations, the tool was first implemented by her in a fully online course in 2020.

According to Means, the ELL is a powerful and flexible tool that enhances experiential learning by promoting reflection, conceptualization, and application. It empowers learners to take ownership of their growth while enabling educators to create dynamic learning environments. “By bridging theory with practice and fostering metacognitive skills, the ELL prepares learners for success.”

“Full-length cases, mini-cases, tutorials on forecasting, automation, sales and promo budget spending, etc., alongside scenarios that build off the simulation can bring in opportunities for instructor and student creativity as well as the ambiguity found in the real world, and cause students to reflect on the impact of the decisions that they make,” added Means. “The combination of experiential learning, simulation, and accompanying course materials leads to better performance in the simulation and in the course overall.” 

Bill Schiano's approach: Dynamic role plays

Schiano brings a unique perspective to experiential learning by incorporating dynamic role plays into his class discussions when teaching with cases. His approach is asking students to speak as specific people or from specific roles, which could include the case protagonist or other relevant individuals mentioned in the case.

However, he often introduces positions like C-level executives, mid-level managers, front-line employees, board members, management consultants, job applicants, auditors, and people from previous cases. This diversity of roles encourages productive debates and offers students varied perspectives that they wouldn’t have considered otherwise. “Sometimes I provide guidance to the role players, either out loud in the moment, or in advance, without the knowledge of the rest of the class. I often frame this guidance as backstory for the character they will play,” he said.

Simulations also play a significant role in Schiano's teaching approach. He not only includes them as standalone activities but also references them in other discussions throughout the term, creating a cohesive and integrated learning experience.

Looking ahead, Schiano is exploring innovative avenues for experiential learning and is currently intrigued by the use of generative AI to quickly create experiments and simulations that can accompany teaching plans, which he hopes to incorporate in his next term. “I have found that the more experiential the learning experience is, the more students are engaged and likely to retain the lessons,” he concluded.

As we reflect on these innovative approaches to experiential learning, it becomes evident that daring educators like Maclean, Means, and Schiano are helping to shape the future of business education. By combining the case method with other forms of experiential learning or tools like the Experiential Learning Log, they are creating dynamic and engaging learning environments that is ideal for preparing students for success out there in the real world.

Now tell us, what's your preferred method of experiential learning? Join the conversation by answering this survey. We appreciate your insights!