Presented by David Flack
AEE Northwest Regional Conference • March 27, 2010 • Bellingham, Washington, USA
When using Experiential Education in a clinical setting, activities should always have a therapeutic goal. Four common goals are:
1.) Improve group cohesion.
• In clinical settings, teambuilding activities might not be the best use of time.
• Cohesion is vital to clinical work in group settings.
• Remember this equation: Trust + Fun = Cohesion.
2.) Illustrate a therapeutic concept.
• Neuroscience shows that metaphors are memorable.
• Metaphorical frames can be fairly directive.
• It is okay to be directive, but it is important to be intentional in our directiveness.
3.) Practice a new skill.
• Practicing a new skill in a safe environment allows the brain to start building new neuronal networks.
• This significantly increases the likelihood of a participant using that skill outside the clinical setting.
4.) Build self-efficacy.
• Self-efficacy is the belief that you can achieve a goal or be successful at a task.
• This sense of mastery can be vital to therapeutic success.
• Building self-efficacy requires participants to leave their Comfort Zone.
Activities from this workshop
Transformation – to improve group cohesion
Human Handcuffs – to illustrate a therapeutic concept
Gutter Ball – to practice a new skill
Pressure Pads – to build self-efficacy
Recommended Reading
The Art of Changing the Brain, by James Zull
This book is an easy to understand introduction to the neuroscience of change. It is packed with practical ideas that’ll change the way you facilitate!
Processing the Experience, by John Luckner & Reldan Nadler
A classic in the experiential learning field. Currently out of print, but you should be able to find in though an online used bookstore.
