1.
experiential learning; hands-on learning — education in which students learn by directly experiencing an activity
An educational approach in which students acquire knowledge and skills through direct, practical experience rather than only through lectures or textbooks. In Japan, it is widely used for elementary and junior high school field programs — farming experiences, workplace visits, traditional craft workshops, nature programs, and similar activities.
来月農業の体験学習がある。
Next month there will be a hands-on learning program in farming.
小学生たちが陶芸の体験学習を楽しんでいた。
The elementary school students were enjoying a hands-on learning activity in pottery.
地元の工場を訪問する体験学習を通じて、生徒たちはものづくりの大変さを知ったそうだ。
Through the hands-on learning program of visiting a local factory, the students apparently came to understand how demanding manufacturing work is.
Compound of 体験 ('first-hand experience') and 学習 ('learning; study'). Emphasizes gaining knowledge by doing rather than by reading or listening.
USAGE:
- Very common in school curricula. Public elementary and junior high schools regularly organize 体験学習 in cooperation with local farms, factories, traditional-craft studios, and civic facilities.
- Adult learning contexts also use the word for workshops, trial lessons, and corporate training that involve a practical component.
- Overlaps with 体験授業 ('trial/experience class'), but 体験学習 focuses on the learning process while 体験授業 typically refers to a sample lesson used to introduce prospective students to a school.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 体験学習を行う: to conduct experiential learning
- 体験学習に参加する: to participate in experiential learning
- 農業体験学習: farming experience program
- 職場体験学習: workplace experience program
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 体験授業: trial lesson — sample class for prospective students.
- 実習: practical training; practicum — usually tied to vocational or professional training with specific skill goals.
- 校外学習: off-campus learning — broader term for lessons held outside school grounds.
- 見学: observational tour — visiting a facility mainly to look, with less hands-on participation.