By Willie Parra
Lessons from the heights
Many years ago, when I began exploring high mountain routes, there were thousands of unknowns and new windows through which to peer into this new world for me, one I discovered almost by chance. Until that moment, 25 years ago, my outdoor world had been primarily underwater, guiding as a PADI Divemaster. This new world of heights pleasantly surprised and amazed me; a singular feeling of immeasurable smallness invaded me, but it wasn’t a sensation that made me feel insignificant; on the contrary, it was like understanding the naked beauty of those places, where everything is so beautiful, yet relentless for those unprepared…
Despite the majestic and always breathtaking landscapes I encountered at different latitudes, classic “mountain climbing” gradually transformed into a new way of seeing life from a very special place, independent of its physical cost; it kept you away from the proximity of every day’s “urban” sensations, I would say; new ways of observing and feeling opened up for me. Appreciating the simple and valuing the moment and the company, the journey was much more important than the longed-for summit.
Meeting and being part of a generous and professional group of close, approachable, and extremely modest people and friends—contrary to what they might have been after so many successful global summits—gradually led me to that goal. The seed of this new way of true Leading grew under the wing of so much inspiration that surrounded me constantly. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? when we have differences of opinion? when we don’t agree and that disagreement makes us lose our way or, worse still, lose an expedition?
Here, many years ago, as I mentioned before, I learned the concept and theory of Experiential Learning, developed by David Kolb, an American educational theorist, who is one of the leading figures in the development of the experiential learning model. This model is defined as the process of learning through experience and emphasizes the importance of reflecting on and applying real-world experiences to deepen knowledge. This approach contrasts with traditional learning methods, which often focus more on theoretical knowledge. Experiential learning helps people develop cognitive and emotional intelligence by engaging them in practical activities where they can apply, experiment, and reflect.
I don’t want to go into the broad scope of this concept; I only want to mention its importance in today’s world, where it is increasingly necessary, and it has been proven, that practical learning and experience have made a significant leap forward from classical theory, becoming the primary model for the development of both human groups and individuals. This playfully resembles our childhood, where putting our hands in the mud or jumping into a pond were primary, almost primitive experiences, but filled with perpetual and physically indelible learning.
“Experiential learning” is the process of learning through experience and emphasizes the importance of reflecting on and applying real-world experiences to deepen knowledge. This approach contrasts with traditional learning methods, which tend to focus more on theoretical knowledge. Experiential learning helps people develop cognitive and emotional intelligence by engaging them in practical activities where they can apply, experiment, and reflect.
In short, the concept and theory of Experiential Learning are four Phases:
1. Concrete Experience
This is the stage where the learner encounters a new experience or reinterprets an existing one. It’s about doing something new, participating, or being directly involved in an experience. This might be a hands-on activity, a field trip, a real-world project, or any immersive learning event.
2. Reflective Observation
After the experience, the learner reflects on it. This phase is about stepping back and thinking about the experience in detail. Learners consider what went well, what didn’t, how they felt, and any questions or insights that arise. This reflection helps them make sense of the experience.
3. Abstract Conceptualization
At this point, the learner begins to make sense of the experience by developing theories, models, or ideas from their reflections. They link the experience to existing knowledge or frameworks. Essentially, they try to understand why things happened the way they did and may formulate new concepts or generalizations.
4. Active Experimentation
In the final stage, learners apply the new knowledge they’ve gained by experimenting with it in different situations. They may test out their ideas, hypotheses, or theories in real-life situations to see how they hold up. This cycle encourages the learner to continue the process by acting on their insights, which leads to new experiences, and the cycle starts again.
For this concept to be beneficial and achieve the expected results, we cannot ignore or skip any of the four phases. They are essential to achieve a complete development of the theory put into practice. It’s important to note that this process is cyclical, meaning that learners can start at any point in the cycle, but ideally, they will go through all four stages to gain deep learning. The cycle is dynamic and continuous.
After working with countless international universities, companies, and all kinds of groups, the results, understanding, and application of the Experiential Learning concept in their lives, both personal and professional, were remarkably positive.
Understanding that it’s impossible to grow without learning from our mistakes, discussing them in a timely manner, analyzing them, and harvesting from both good and bad experiences, this new and improved vision as a team and as individuals will definitely help us move forward successfully.
About the author:
Willie Parra
Willie Parra is a naturalist, mountaineer, and Senior PTGA Polar Guide with over two decades of expedition experience. A former Explorations Manager at Explora Hotels, he has guided leadership ventures for Wharton and Queens University across Antarctica, Patagonia, and the Atacama Desert. Today, as Corporate Outdoor Experience Director at Experiential Hospitality, Willie designs nature-based projects worldwide, dividing his time between Santiago and his beloved Chiloé Island.