Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience- David Kolp
We believe that every activity is a standalone unit with its own designated experience that builds on the experience gained from previous activities and influence the experience of the following activities.
However, this transformation of experience is not judged by the activities themselves, but judged by the learner status between these activities. And since each activity has its own learning outcomes, we should carefully consider and plan the intended experience the learner go through during each activity and ensure that it will bring us closer to the overall learning outcomes and achieve a successful transformation.
SeGa’s RAR Model is specifically designed and introduced to help facilitators focus on the full experience of each single activity and its consecutive learner interaction. It is based on Experiential Learning Theory as well as Deep and Active Learning approach.
To fully understand our RAR Model, let us first define experiential learning
David Kolb’s Experiential Learning theory is concerned with optimizing the learning process itself by focusing on each individual’s unique experience with the learning material. It follows each learner’s unique interaction with each activity; starting from the concrete experience the leaner receives upon engaging in an activity, to the reflection and observation that takes place after the activity is finished, followed by the abstraction of a concept or a model from the experience itself and finally actively experimenting and testing this concept or model.
David Kolb’s Experiential Learning theory is concerned with optimizing the learning process itself by focusing on each individual’s unique experience with the learning material. It follows each learner’s unique interaction with each activity; starting from the concrete experience the leaner receives upon engaging in an activity, to the reflection and observation that takes place after the activity is finished, followed by the abstraction of a concept or a model from the experience itself and finally actively experimenting and testing this concept or model.
RAR derives its name from its 3 key principles:
- Readiness Increase
- Activity Facilitation
- Reviewing Actively
Principle #7: Readiness increase
Readiness main objective is to increase the willingness of the learners to participate during the learning activity, and to participate with the status that will best fit the activity types and the learning outcomes.
Readiness can take place through many ways; it varies according to the activity type, the status of the learners and their previous activity, and the designed learning outcomes of the activity. Readiness can be in the form of mini presentation for the activity instructions, preparation of tools, gradual activities, emotional, mental readiness and the same for reviewing, which leads to maximum engagement.
Principle #8: Activity facilitation
While facilitating an activity, the facilitator is responsible for raising the motivation levels and encouraging all learners to engage and participate. The facilitator also has to be fully present to support the participants during the activity; moving between groups, listening to each learner very attentively, clarifying, supporting, and assessing learning. Moreover, the facilitator should be flexible enough to make the needed changes in the activity if the participants feel it is very difficult or too trivial based on their profile and professional experience.
Principle #9: Reviewing actively
Reviewing is the third and final phase in facilitating the learning adventure according to RAR model. Reviewing is any process that helps you to make use of personal experience for your learning and development. It happens through:
- Reflecting on experience
- Analyzing experience
- Making sense of experience
- Communicating experience
- Reframing experience
- Learning from experience
When well designed and implemented, reviewing adds a great value to the experience; it allows constant development to the learner by offering new and fresh perspectives, improves observational and analytical skills, empowers learners through encouraging self-expression and achieves the overall learning outcomes.