Chapter 7: Situational and Experiential Learning

In this chapter, the authors explain that learning is a social process. We review the evolution of learning theories and highlight the thought leaders behind situational and experiential learning theory. The authors explain how calling out the learning component of the conceptual model allows us to see the expanded learning potential of a CoP more clearly. While CoPs accommodate and support all forms of learning, they are exceptional sources for situational and experiential learning. CoPs can also accommodate any new learning spheres – resource-based and on-the-job learning, lifelong and life-wide learning, and self-study.

In a knowledge economy, we care about learning because it is the investment each of us makes to grow and leverage knowledge capital. Deep and long-lasting learning involves understanding, relating ideas, and making connections between prior and new knowledge, independent and critical thinking, and the ability to transfer knowledge to new and different contexts. We and our communities of practice (CoPs) must invest in all forms of knowledge, which means understanding how each type is learned.