2.2.2 Jain Piaget 4

2.2.3 Kolb 5

3. Research Methodology 6

3.1 Research questions 6

3.2 Research participants 6

3.3 Instruments 6

3.3.1 Pre-test 6

3.3.2 Pre-questionnaire 6

3.3.3 Post-test 6

3.3.4 Post-questionnaire 6

3.3.5 Classroom observation 6

3.3.6 Interview 6

3.4 Research Procedure 7

3.4.1 Basic structure of Experiential Learning 7

3.4.2 Common methods of EL 7

3.4.3 Implementation principles of EL 8

3.5 The application of EL in real English classroom 8

3.5.1 Teaching case I 8

3.5.2 Teaching case II 9

4. Data analysis and discussion 11

4.1 Analysis and discussion of questionnaire 11

4.1.1 Analysis of pre-questionnaire 11

4.1.2 Analysis of post-questionnaire 12

4.2 Analysis of test papers 14

4.3 Analysis of classroom observation 14

5. Conclusion 16

5.1 Major findings 16

5.2 Implications 17

5.3 Limitations 17

References 18

1. Introduction

This chapter briefly introduces the whole research. Firstly, the background of the study is set. Also, the purpose and significance of the study is presented. Then, the methodologies and the organization of the study are illustrated.

1.1 The Background of the Study

English plays an important role in our rapidly developing society. China, has more chances to take part in international activities. Thus, our society needs more and more highly-qualified English personnel.

New English Curriculum Standards, which was published by the Ministry of Education, has pointed out that “under the guidance of teachers, students achieve the target and get the feeling of success through perception, experience, practice, participation and cooperation. By adjusting the emotion and strategies in the learning process, to form a positive learning attitude and promote the improvement of the ability of language application.” However, it is urgent to know how to enable students to experience English learning themselves and using the knowledge they have learned to express their ideas in the real situation.

Also, the goal of Curriculum Reformation have suggested that we need to change teachers’ characters and give the real enlightenment to our students. What’s more, the main content of the reformation are developing students’ interest towards English and cultivating their learning confidence. In a word, teachers are not only to teach  knowledge from textbooks, but also cultivate students’ overall ability. 

According to these spirits, Experiential Learning has become a new way of teaching and learning. Experiential Learning is a learner-centered approach of learning. Experience, which means the activity that produces emotion and generates meaning on the basis of the real feeling and the deep understanding towards things, according to the education concept. So, Experiential Learning refers to during the process of learning, students raise questions, analyze problems, solve problems actively by using English and obtain English knowledge in the experience process.