Have you ever tried to understand pain simply by reading about it? Most likely not. I still remember the moment I touched the edge of an extremely hot lasagna dish with my fingertip. At four years old, I didn’t yet understand that it would still be hot straight from the oven.
That experience taught me a lesson immediately — and effectively. Why? Because I learned through firsthand experience. Just as you did when you learned to tie your shoes, use scissors, ride a bike, or blow bubbles with chewing gum: you didn’t read about it — you discovered it through trial, error, and active engagement.
Then we come to school and university, where much of the time is spent sitting and listening to instructors, reading, completing tasks, and reciting memorized answers. In doing so, we often reproduce someone else’s words rather than develop our own conclusions and ideas — and when we step into the real world, things rarely unfold as they do in textbooks. While reading and research are undeniably important in academic education, they alone are not sufficient.
Throughout history, from philosophers to authors of the 18th and 19th centuries, and continuing with modern educational reformers, experiential learning has been recognized as a key approach for developing well-rounded individuals — those whose knowledge is cultivated through active engagement rather than passive reception.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a process through which individuals acquire knowledge and skills by engaging directly in personal experiences — often referred to as “learning by doing.” It involves active participation in real-world situations, reflection on observations, and the application of those insights to develop new skills, understanding, and ways of thinking (Dewey, 1938).
This approach helps retain 75% of what you learn, compared with just 5% gained through passive lectures. It also creates a strong bridge between theory and practice, leading to higher motivation, increased confidence, enhanced critical thinking, stronger teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. These are some of the most important skills for success in the professional world, consistently ranking at the top of employer expectations.
In today’s fast-changing world, where careers shift, industries evolve, and new technologies emerge overnight, the ability to learn quickly and adapt is more valuable than ever. Employers aren’t just looking for knowledge — they’re looking for people who can apply it.
ABC Programs
This is exactly why experiential learning is at the core of the ABC programs. We create a supportive environment where participants learn from one another — from people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. They also gain insights from industry professionals who share real-world experience and authentic stories from their own journeys. During lectures, participants collaborate in teams on projects, engage in simulations, tackle real-world challenges, and apply their learning in practice. Then we send them on company visits, where we provide firsthand exposure to how things truly work. This includes how different companies organize their operations, the challenges they face, and how they overcome them. These experiences offer participants a direct understanding of the market and an authentic view of the professional world.
Experiential learning during ABC programs
Experiential learning is more than just learning facts — it is a mindset. A mindset in which obstacles are not viewed as problems but as opportunities for growth and development. This mindset doesn’t appear overnight; it requires ongoing work and curiosity. It also requires exposure to different situations, being surrounded by diverse people, and maintaining a desire for continuous learning. People with this mindset can thrive in any environment. Because the most transformative lessons aren’t read — they’re lived.
So ask yourself — when was the last time you learned something by truly doing it? And what could you discover next?
