Experiential Learning vs. Interactive Learning: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?

Education is evolving beyond traditional classroom models, requiring schools to unlock the power of engaged, meaningful learning. 

Two popular approaches - experiential learning and interactive learning - both foster deeper understanding and active participation. But while they share similarities, they differ in fundamental ways that impact how children learn and grow.

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What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is a learning-by-doing approach that immerses students in hands-on, real-world experiences. Instead of absorbing information, learners actively engage, experiment, reflect, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers cites a Nazareth College study that found participants in their SPARK experiential learning program had higher GPAs, retention rates, and graduation rates compared to non-participants.

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Key Elements of Experiential Learning

Real-World Application: Learning happens through direct experiences such as building, designing, problem-solving, and creating.

Experiential learning has been shown to significantly enhance students' critical thinking abilities. According to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students engaged in experiential learning demonstrate statistically significant increases in their capacity to analyze complex problems and apply coursework to everyday life.

Active Participation: Students take ownership of their learning by engaging in activities that require critical thinking and creativity.

‍Reflection and Adaptation: Learning doesn’t stop at the activity. Students reflect on what they’ve learned, refine their understanding, and apply it to new challenges.

‍Project-Based and Inquiry-Based: Whether it’s tackling sustainability issues or developing innovative solutions, students explore and experiment rather than memorize facts.

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Experiential Learning Example

Beyond reading about environmental sustainability, students design and implement their own garden using eco-friendly practices. They learn about soil composition, plant cycles, and sustainability by directly engaging with the world around them.

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What is Interactive Learning?

Interactive learning is also an engagement-based learning approach, where students participate in discussions, group work, and technology-driven activities that encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange. 

However, unlike experiential learning, which immerses students in real-world challenges, interactive learning often keeps engagement within the confines of a structured classroom or digital environment. 

While interactive learning encourages participation, it does not always translate to deep, hands-on understanding the way experiential learning does. Without real-world application, trial-and-error problem-solving, and reflection, interactive learning can sometimes fall short in preparing students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

‍Research indicates that interactive learning, which involves active participation and engagement, leads to improved academic performance compared to passive learning approaches. 

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Key Elements of Interactive Learning

Active Engagement: Learning is not passive; students interact with content through discussions, simulations, or digital tools.

Collaboration & Communication: Students share ideas, work together, and learn from their peers through interactive discussions.

Technology Integration: Many interactive learning environments incorporate digital platforms, gamification, and virtual experiences to enhance engagement.

Immediate Feedback: Through quizzes, polls, or live interactions, students receive instant feedback to guide their learning. For instance, a study from the University of Wisconsin found that 94% of faculty members agreed that using clickers (a form of interactive technology) increased student engagement in the classroom. 

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Interactive Learning Example

Instead of only studying ancient civilizations in a textbook, students engage in a virtual simulation where they role-play historical figures, debate policies, and make decisions based on real historical challenges.

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Experiential vs. Interactive Learning: Which One is Best?

Both experiential and interactive learning approaches break away from passive, lecture-based education, but they serve different purposes: At Changemaker Education, we embrace experiential learning as a core philosophy because it empowers students to take control of their learning journey. In microschools, where small class sizes and student-driven learning are prioritized, experiential learning offers unparalleled benefits:

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Encourages innovation and critical thinking where students tackle real problems and develop solutions on their own terms.

Builds lifelong skills like communication to resilience through hands-on experiences that foster essential life skills.

Creates meaningful learning moments where students are more likely to retain knowledge because they are learning through experience rather than passive instruction.

Adapts to individual needs by allowing students to pursue their interests, making learning personalized and impactful.

When students explore, experiment, and engage with the world firsthand, they don’t just learn—they become problem-solvers, innovators, and changemakers. 

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Want to learn more about how experiential learning shapes our microschools? Let’s start a conversation!

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