What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is learning based on direct experience. What makes something an experience is that it is a psychological state generated by sensation or introspection (rather than by intuition or reason). What makes an experience direct is that it is not mediated by a linguistic or pictorial representation of something experienced (as in the case of books or photographs). What makes a direct experience a source of learning is that the person who has had the experience engages in active reflection on the experience in such a way as to acquire understanding or knowledge on the basis of the experience.

How to Honor an Author

Honoring the author of a text requires first attempting to understand what the author intended to say. Consequently, readers who adopt hermeneutical approaches that preclude the possibility of reading for authorial intent are disrespectful to authors. But courtesy to authors also requires evaluating what they have said (always leaving open the possibility that you have misunderstood them). Are the author’s assertions and claims important and true? Are the author’s suggestions and instructions useful and beneficial? Are the author’s assurances and promises reliable and constructive? Are the author’s questions interesting and thought-provoking? In short, have the author’s literary goals been fulfilled?

Apologetics & Anthropology

Dave Tetrick, a former student of mine who is with the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso, told me he values his Westmont education now because of how it has enabled him to learn how to understand those he has been called to serve. He said his philosophy course on “The New Atheists” provided an opportunity to understand and appreciate those with whom he doesn’t agree. When I discuss the New Atheists with students, my emphasis is on an apologetical defense of belief in God. What Dave told me convinces me that an “anthropological” understanding of unbelievers would also be valuable.