Learning and education

Experiential learning

There are many theories for children's education: for example Cognitive Development theory, Behavioral / Environmental theory and Constructivist theory. The theory of Cognitive Development, popularized by Jean Piaget, focuses on the orderly process by which the child becomes an intelligent person acquiring knowledge as he grows and improves his ability to think, reason and abstract. The Behavioral / Environmental Theory emphasizes changes in behavior as a result of the stimulus-response associations made by the child. Constructivist Theory suggests that humans build the knowledge and meaning of their experiences. At KidZania we believe that our focus on role-playing is in line with experiential learning theory.

 

The experiential learning model

This model involves direct learning by "doing." The concept is old, as Aristotle said: "the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." The formal theory was first proposed by the psychologist David Kolb: learning is “the process by which knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combinations of taking and transforming the experience. ” It focuses on how experience, environmental factors and emotions influence the learning process. In addition, certain skills are necessary: ​​active participation in experience, capacity for reflection, analysis, decision making and application of knowledge acquired in problem solving. This theory was later validated by the work of Sir John Whitmore.

 

Benefits of the role play

It is a powerful educational tool by motivating children to actively participate in their learning. Children can "put on each other's shoes", wear a suit and tools and make decisions about their character. Many experts believe that this learning stays more in children than traditional teaching.

Among the benefits children receive in their development are:

• Social and emotional: they experience in a safe environment, develop skills, can show greater empathy and cooperation, reduce aggressiveness, manage their emotions and build self-esteem
• Physical: they develop gross and fine motor skills, practice visual and manual coordination
• Cognitive: reinforce abstract concepts from practice, share ideas and work as a team
• Language: they must verbalize what they do, learn to question and respond, acquire new vocabulary

 

The role play involves the child both in learning and with life. It increases the child's understanding of the world in which he lives while developing personal skills that will help him in his later development.