Definitions of terms used on our site

Experiential learning is related to, but not synonymous with, experiential education, action learning, adventure learning, free choice learning, cooperative learning, and service learning. While there are relationships and connections, importantly they are also separate terms with separate meanings. [3]

Experiential learning focuses on the learning for the individual - where as experiential education focuses on the trans-active process between teacher and learner. Education focuses on the relationship between teaching and learning. Learning on the direct process for the individual (possibly student). [4] It is like going to the zoo and learning through observation and interaction with the zoo environment, as opposed to reading about animals from a book. Thus, one makes discoveries and experiments with knowledge firsthand, instead of hearing or reading about others' experiences.

Experiential learning requires no teacher and relates solely to the meaning making process of the individual's direct experience. It is an inherent process that occurs naturally. However, as John Dewey pointed out experiential learning can often lead to "mis-educative experiences". The classic example of this is the lecture experience many students have in traditional education contexts. While the content of the course might be "physics" the experiential learning might be that "I hate physics". This is mis-educative as the student should have preferably learned "I hate lectures". Experiential learning therefore can be problematic as generalizations or meanings may be misapplied. There are countless examples of this in prejudice, stereotypes, and other related areas.

team building

This is a fairly general term that is used in a number of different ways. It can cover either what you are trying to achieve and how you are trying to achieve it - or both! The following cover most of the options:

    * Team building is developing working relationships.
    * Team building is improving the performance of the team.
    * Team building is outdoor activities that challenge the individuals within the team.
    * Team building is about improving motivation, communication, support and trust within a team.

The defintion that we prefer is:

    * Improving team performance by developing teamworking skills by using any appropriate method.

It is a fairly general defintion but encompasses all of the normal definitions.

Management Development

Simply put, management development is an effort (hopefully, planned in nature) that enhances the learner's capacity to manage organizations (or oneself). Very simply put, managing includes activities of planning, organizing, leading and coordinating resources. A critical skill for anyone is the ability to manage their own learning. The highly motivated, self-directed reader can gain a great deal of learning and other results from using the guidelines and materials in this library topic.

Conflict Resolution
Resolving conflict rationally and effectivelyIn many cases, conflict in the workplace just seems to be a fact of life. We've all seen situations where different people with different goals and needs have come into conflict. And we've all seen the often-intense personal animosity that can result. The fact that conflict exists, however, is not necessarily a bad thing: As long as it is resolved effectively, it can lead to personal and professional growth. In many cases, effective conflict resolution skills can make the difference between positive and negative outcomes. The good news is that by resolving conflict successfully, you can solve many of the problems that it has brought to the surface, as well as getting benefits that you might not at first expect:

Leadership
The principles of leadership training have changed little over time. Whether you were part of an ancient civilisation, a modern industry or army, the basic principles have not changed. It is independent of geography and culture.
A typical dictionary definition would be, 'the process of ruling, guiding or inspiring others'.
Others would say that it embodies particular attributes.
    * A visionary who is also detailed or,
    * It is directing and empowering or,
    * Involves being intuitive and logical or,
    * Coaching and controlling and others.
Personal development
Personal development is our conscious self-improvement and self-transcendence. It is the aspiration to realise our higher self

The process of Personal development involves several aspects:

    * Transcending our Negative Qualities.

We all have negative qualities such as pride, anger and doubt. Personal development is a conscious effort to reduce and minimise these qualities by focusing on the positive aspects of life.

    * Controlling Our Thoughts.

Control of our thoughts is essential for our own development. If we allow ourselves to be at the mercy of our own thoughts, we cannot hope to minimise our negative qualities and bring our good qualities to the fore. Meditation is the best way to cultivate a silent mind.

    * Self-Transcendence.

Self-Transcendence is the art of going beyond our own self-imposed limitations. This means we aspire to reach new goals and not to be satisfied with what we were in the past.

    * Intuition.

Personal development means we learn to listen to the inner voice - our inner pilot. The messages of our inner voice can only be heard with a silent mind. This inner inspiration comes not from our ego, but our Soul.

    * Minimise Desires.

When we live in the world of desires there is no end to our desires. However, spiritual growth means we learn to reduce our desires. By reducing our desires we discover that the source of abiding happiness is to be found in a life of simplicity and not outer success.

    * To Live in the Heart.

If we can live in the heart many of our problems will be solved. When we live in the heart, we can spontaneously feel our oneness with others.

    * Gratitude.

Gratitude is to make a conscious appreciation of the Source of all things. Without gratitude personal development is very limited

    * Enlarging our Sense of Self.

    Self-improvement
    Is
    A continuous self-offering.

Assertiveness

• Asking for what one wants or acting to get what one wants in a way that respects the rights and feelings of other people.

Self-confidence

self-confidence n. a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgement.

It could be argued that of all commodities available to us humans, both real and imagined, material or ephemeral, confidence is the the glittering prize. Not the kind of short-term confidence you get from a bit of make-up or a stiff drink, but real deep-down-in-the-bones confidence, the sort that's terribly hard to find if you don't already have it. Let's face it, gold won't really buy you confidence. And the thrill of a boob job can only last so long. As a race, we humans are characterised by our frailties and doubts. Just look at the animal kingdom - polar bears hardly suffer from low self-esteem, do they?

But what is confidence? And how do you get it? How do you build self-esteem? Well, here are some of the h2g2 Community's thoughts on the subject.

    Sometimes you just have to fake it. I used to be all shy and retiring, until my grandmother told me to try pretending I ruled the world... and now I do (in my head at least) and it really helps! I can wear what I like and get away with talking about things I know nothing about really, and it doesn't matter because I love me even if nobody else does. So, thanks Granny.

Self-confidence

One Researcher has always considered self-confidence to be like riding a bike:

    You can read up on the theory for ever, but one day you're gonna have to get on the saddle and start peddling. True you may come off and graze your knee but it'll be easier next time. Same for an area of your life you lack confidence with, repeated experience will overcome your fears, even if you do suffer setbacks along the way.