Contents
“Using reflective writing techniques and with reference
to academic sources, consider the benefits of Experiential Learning, Group
Exercises and Teamwork to developing and improving your employability. How do
these activities improve yourself awareness and identify your level of
competency in business?”
Introduction
It is said that there is one thing
which is constant in this world and it is called as ‘change’. Change is found
happening everywhere around this world whether anyone likes it or not. The work
place environment involves plenty of changes without anyone participating in it
and is even not aware about it at times. Change will keep on happening and if
anyone is not able to adapt to it will be left behind simply. Businesses
nowadays not only require adapting to the changes but they need to be quick in
order to predict the change. Management needs not to rely on reacting to the
changes which are happening which can often leave them behind and are then
found to be struggling. There is something which needs to be done by the
management and the basic thing which they must look upon is the focus on their
employees who are working in the company. It is therefore really essential for
the individuals nowadays to work on the factor of experiential learning, group
exercises and teamwork. This can really help in meeting the different
organizational requirements these days that are looking for a change in
employees (SILBERMAN,
2007).
The famous model which was created
by Kolb, an American theorist, can proved to be really helpful in learning
about 4 main elements which include the concrete reflection, observation and
experience and the abstract concepts formation. His experiential learning
concepts followed some of the great ideas which involved the concrete
experiences which were followed by experience and observation. This in turn was
followed by a formation of abstract concepts which were also followed by the
testing of new situations. It is a great model which seems to be appearing time
and again. Experiential learning
Building on the concept which was
created by Kolb indicates that learning is considered as a process whereby the
knowledge is created through alteration of experience. Many of the
organizations nowadays are under serious pressure to grow, innovate, adapt and
learn. Therefore individuals must consider working on the three main areas that
are experiential learning, teamwork and group exercises to understand the
changes which are relevant to the business. Experiential learning is known as
the process in which the participants engage in the experiences which are
authentic ones with certain consequences and benefits. In other words it can be
said that it is learning from all the different experiences. Through
experiential learning the individuals can be practical in their approach as
they are practicing something new which helps them in learning better
especially when they are more aware about the benefits and consequences of
their own actions. This can also help them with their employability in reacting
to different situations perfectly while at workplace. Experiential learning is also immersive and
interactive which means that the individuals are not only engaging in the own
roles but also in the roles of other people which can help them in
understanding the importance of people around them and how the role of people
differ in organizations. It is very easily applicable to the job as the
experiential learning is based on the practical and realistic scenarios. It is
not only helpful in gaining experience but also in retaining the skills and
education. Experiential learning allows understanding the requirement for
change and also helps the individuals to understand the bigger picture (WESSELS, 2005).
Team building
Team building is another
indispensable activity considered for any corporation or business, but this
factor is often overlooked by most of the individuals these days. If the
individuals are looking to bring an improvement in terms of the efficiency
within the company and also in the day to day working environment, they must
consider some of the major factors.
Firstly the advantage of team building for the individuals is that it
can help in improving the commitment to both the employees and the company. Working
together can help in creating the rapport and there are shared aims which can
bring lot of people together which will result in strengthening the connection
which the employees are feeling for their company. There are not only the group
exercises which are great way of bringing people together, but also an
excellent way of celebrating the success as the overall company. If the
employees are working in team and they are finding some of the great rewards,
they will be using their best of their abilities to strive in reaching the
targets set by the company. Hence it can be said that by working in teams and
doing some of the group exercises, the individuals can complete the task
perfectly by interacting with many brains which is really helpful and
productive. This can also be really good while they are employed in the
organization which depends heavily on the team work as well. The overall
motivation level will also increase and they will work up to the expectations
of the company (DYER,
2013).
Improved communication through group exercises
The good communication skills are
really essential for anyone these days. It is vital for an individual to
communicate well if he needs to get employed in the high profile company. There
are many occasions which have led to companies facing the problems because of
the poor flow of communication network and channels especially because of the
misconstrued messages which have created havoc in the working environment. Team
building can be really helpful in improving the communications amongst the
employees in any company as it helps to interact with people around the
individuals and there are certain ideas which are being proposed through
different ways. There are certain group activities which are conducted by the management
these days which can be helpful in improving the communication skills of an
individual which can help them in adopting different types of communication
skills. The individuals must focus on improving their communication skills
through discussions, telephone conversations and emails to impress the
management of company through creating the first impression because of
excellent communication skills (BELMONT, 2006).
Conclusion
Another great feature of team
building is the drawing of people together which a normal working environment
cannot do so easily. There is an increased collaboration which can help in
feeling an achievement which everyone can share and the work becomes a lot
easier. The individuals can share the knowledge with each other and discuss
about different alternatives and also getting the vital feedback. This whole
process of experiential learning, team work and group exercises can really help
an individual in being together with other people and helps in learning how to
accomplish a goal and whether it is an effective and rewarding one or not in
terms of the personal and professional life.
References
DYER, W. G., (2013). Team building: proven strategies
for improving team performance. San Francisco, CA, Jossey-Bass.
WESSELS, M. (2005). Experiential learning: preparing
learners for experiential learning and graduate placement. Lansdowne, Cape
Town, Juta.
BELMONT, J. A. (2006). 103 group activities and
treatment ideas & practical strategies. Eau Claire, Wis, PESI.
SILBERMAN, M. L. (2007). The handbook of experiential
learning. San Francisco, Pfeiffer.
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