Teaching Experiential Learning: Adoption of an Innovative Course in an MBA Curriculum

In a recent study Li, Greenberg, & Nicholls (2007) evaluated the success of implementing experiential learning techniques in an MBA curriculum.

Researchers adopted Marketplace, software that could simulate companies from inception to maturity in a global market. Each week of the course simulated a business quarter, and students interacted with one another to make business decisions and to devise strategy. Instructors’ roles were adapted to this technique by assuming the “role of an arbitrator, such as the commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) who handles complaints and claims” (Li et al., 2009, p. 26). Class materials were provided “in the form of industry newsletters, quarterly electronic presentations, advertising arbitration decisions, and their responses to teams’ inquiries” (Li et al., 2007, p. 28).

Evaluations of this technique were conducted by administering student questionnaires that analyzed their perception of this technique and compared their perceptions of this technique to traditional lectures. With a sample size of 588 graduate students, Li et al. (2007) found that student perceptions of the effectiveness of the technique in engagement, development of career skills, and improved competence were statistically significant (p. 31). Comparing this technique to traditional lectures, Li et al. (2007) found that 10 out of their 12 criteria including problem solving, thinking on your feet, and team work were significantly higher rated using the new experiential learning technique than traditional lectures (p. 31). Only two were not statistically significant- learning principles and concepts and using written communication.

These results give evidence towards the efficacy of using experiential learning in a course. If your learning goals are along the lines of engaging students in course concepts, improving team work, improving interpersonal skills, facilitating management skills, or examining diverse solutions, experiential learning is worth considering.

Further DePaul Resources

• Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning & Community Service Studies
• University Internship and Co-op Program
• Office for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

References

Li, T., Greenberg, B. A., & Nicholls, J. A. F. (2007). Teaching Experiential Learning: Adoption of an Innovative Course in an MBA Marketing Curriculum. Journal of Marketing Education, 29(1), 25-33. Retrieved October 7, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1244131751).