A teacher designs a field study in which students investigate local…
2026
A teacher designs a field study in which students investigate local ecosystems, collect data, and reflect on their findings. Which aspect of experiential learning does this approach best exemplify?
Answer: B. Active engagement in authentic tasks — ConceptExperiential learning develops understanding through a cycle of concrete experience, observation, reflection, and meaning-making. Its defining feature…
- A.
Repetition of textbook definitions
- B.
Active engagement in authentic tasks
- C.
Analysis of pre-recorded demonstrations
- D.
Passive absorption of lecture content
Attempted by 9 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
Experiential learning develops understanding through a cycle of concrete experience, observation, reflection, and meaning-making.
Its defining feature is the learner's active participation in a real or realistic task, followed by reflection on evidence from that experience.
Application
In the field study, the students directly investigate an ecosystem, collect their own data, and reflect on what the data show. The task therefore combines authentic action with reflective learning.
Contrast
Repetition of textbook definitions practises recall of supplied information.
Active engagement in authentic tasks places learners inside the investigation and makes their observations part of the learning process.
Analysis of pre-recorded demonstrations uses an observed representation rather than a field experience performed by the learners.
Passive absorption of lecture content makes the teacher's exposition the main source of the learning experience.
Cross-check and result
The sequence here is concrete field experience, evidence collection, and reflection—the core experiential-learning cycle. Hence the best-supported aspect is active engagement in authentic tasks.