On September 4th, the experiential learning of the 2020 HR class of the Business School was held on campus. This activity is part of the course "Incentive Management and Employee Development". It aims to understand the relevant training theories and practices through practical experience and reflection, as well as to improve the competencies of achievement orientation and teamwork, and also promote the connection among the students of the human resources class.

The activity invited the team from Shenzhen Xidian Exploration Education Technology Ltd. Co. to assist in the implementation. Focusing on the development, research and application of experiential learning, Xidian has been engaged in this field for 15 years and has conducted training for many corporate executives and employees in China. The Xidian team arranged senior coaches for this activity and carried out a customized design. The activity lasted for one day and was carried out in house.

At 9:00 a.m., students came to the multi-function hall C3-309 in the administrative building. After the gathering, Luo Sikai, the coach from Xidian, introduced the origin of experience education, related concepts and practices. Then, through ice-breaking games and team building, every student was relaxed and entered the role. The students began their day of experiential learning with great enthusiasm.

Picture: Coach Luo introducing experiential education

The main experience in the morning was "information transmitting". In this project, teams needed to complete the task of turning over 13 cards in turn with the fastest speed. The competition was divided into three rounds, each round increased the difficulty. The three teams kept trying, established standardized process, and reflected to improve team performance. One group summed up their experience and won in the last round even though the team failed in the former two rounds. One group kept the leading position in the first and second round but made mistakes in the last round. All the groups maintained good condition and insisted on finishing the competition even when there was an emergency.

Picture 2: Group students encouraging themselves

After a break at noon, everyone arrived at the venue on time at 14:00. Before the activity, the Associate Professor Cheng Yun and Coach Luo affirmed everyone's performance in the morning and put forward some improvements to cheer everyone up. Then came the first activity of the afternoon: Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea. Teams needed to cross a distance of six meters while all team members should keep as touched, and no more than four feet and four hands could touch the ground at the same time through that distance. Inspired by the coach, each team brainstormed and found their own way to go across the "sea". After that they tried to create a simpler, safer way. In the cheerful activity, the students were engaged and felt the power of innovation and teamwork. At the same time, the reflection, sharing and facilitators' comments after the activity also made them gain a lot.

Picture 3: The group members discussing the plan

Picture 4: Group members trying to "cross the sea"

The second activity of the afternoon was "Communicating About the Tower of Babel". Each team was divided into three "departments": Sales, Design and Production. Each department has its own work area. The three "departments" needed to complete the product copied from the marketing department to the production department in the fastest time without cross-regional communication and meeting. The students shuttled between the "departments", and the information was transmitted quickly. Finally, the output of one group was slightly different from the sample, and the other two groups completed the task accurately in time. In the summary and reflection, the students fully realized the importance of timely feedback, empathy, understanding others and related communication skills in teamwork.

Picture 5: Activity in progress

Picture 6: Group reflection

The last activity in the afternoon was "Ultimate Black Hole". It simulated as group escape. They were required to leave the "escape hole" within the specified time without touching the line, without oral communication or external support. In this virtual task, students fully felt the spirits of teamwork, responsibility, and the sense of belonging and dedication of the team.

Picture 7: Students discussing the plan

At about 17:30, the activity came to the end. The students had a reflection about the learning of the whole day and every student shared that he/she liked this kind of class and learned a lot this day. Coach Luo hoped everyone to cherish the opportunity and get continuous progress. Professor Cheng Yun encouraged everyone to maintain momentum, keep realistic and excelsior, arouse the youth, fly dreams, and create brilliant.

Picture 8: Group photo of students

Article by: Zhou Yu

Reviewed by: Cheng Yun