Experiential Learning Styles

A Practical Guide for New Zealand Primary and Secondary Teachers

Give your students deeper, more meaningful learning experiences — starting today.

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Experiential Learning Styles is your step-by-step guide to designing engaging, hands-on, real-world learning opportunities that align with the New Zealand Curriculum. Whether you’re teaching Year 1 or Year 13, this practical resource will help you bring the power of learning by doing into your classroom.

Over 200 pages with templates and examples in every chapter.

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What’s Inside (see the end for a complete list of chapters):

• Clear explanations of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle and learning styles — made relevant for Aotearoa’s classrooms
• Easy-to-use lesson planning templates for inquiry, project-based learning, and community-linked projects
• NZ-specific guidance on EOTC, local curriculum (Marau ā-Kura), and place-based learning
• Proven strategies for managing group dynamics, supporting neurodiverse learners, and embedding reflective practices
• Digital and blended learning ideas that keep the experience real — even online
• Customisable tools and checklists to use with your students, team, or Kāhui Ako

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Why This Resource Works

Unlike generic teaching books, this guide is built specifically for New Zealand teachers in both primary and secondary settings. It connects key competencies, values, and curriculum learning areas to real-world, experiential learning — all with the local context in mind.

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Your purchase includes:

• A printable PDF version
• An editable Google Docs version

This means you can:

• Share it easily with colleagues
• Customise templates for your own class
• View it on any device — at school, at home, or out on a field trip
• Use it in staff PLD, planning sessions, or as a personal teaching guide

💬 “We provide our resources in both PDF and Google Docs formats so schools can easily copy, customise, and share the material across staff and students. Read more about how we do this here.”

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Here is the list of chapters and subtopics:

Each chapter has templates and resources you can copy and use.

• Introduction
  • What Is Experiential Learning?
  • Why It Matters in New Zealand Classrooms
  • How This Book Supports the New Zealand Curriculum
  • How to Use This Book Effectively
• Chapter 1: Understanding Experiential Learning.
  • The Experiential Learning Cycle (Kolb and Beyond)
  • Core Principles: Learning by Doing, Reflecting, and Applying
  • Mātauranga Māori and Experiential Approaches
  • Linking Experience to Key Competencies and Values in the NZC
• Chapter 2: Learning Styles and Preferences
  • Kolb’s Four Learning Styles (NZ Classroom Examples)
  • Supporting Visual, Kinaesthetic, Interpersonal Learners
  • Understanding Cultural Preferences in Learning
  • Using Learning Styles to Design Inclusive Tasks
• Chapter 3: Designing Experiential Learning in NZ Classrooms
  • Setting Curriculum-Aligned Outcomes
  • Linking to Learning Areas (e.g., Science, Technology, Social Sciences, The Arts)
  • Cross-Curricular Planning
  • Using Te Ao Māori and Local Contexts
• Chapter 4: Classroom-Based Experiential Approaches
  • Inquiry Learning and Project-Based Learning
  • Role-Plays, Debates, and Scenarios
  • Hands-On STEM and Maker Spaces
  • Arts-Based and Drama Activities
• Chapter 5: Real-World and Local Learning Projects
  • School-Based Projects (e.g., gardens, student businesses)
  • Authentic Learning Linked to Local Issues
  • EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) Opportunities
• Chapter 6: Managing Experiential Learning in Practice
  • Group Dynamics and Managing Behaviour
  • Resourcing and Time Constraints
  • Inclusion: Supporting Neurodiverse and Māori/Pasifika Learners
  • Reflective and Culturally Responsive Practice
• Chapter 7: Reflection and Assessment
  • Reflective Thinking in the NZC Key Competencies
  • Assessment for Learning (AfL) in Experiential Settings
  • Peer Feedback, Student Voice, and Portfolios
  • Rubrics That Value Process, Not Just Outcome
• Chapter 8: Integrating Experiential Learning into School Culture
  • Making It a Whole-School Approach
  • Aligning with Local Curriculum (Marau ā-Kura)
  • Leadership Support and Staff Buy-In
  • Celebrating Student Learning Publicly
• Chapter 9: Digital and Blended Experiential Learning
  • Using Technology to Support Real-World Learning
  • Virtual Field Trips and Google Earth Explorations
  • Recording Experiences with Devices
  • Using Seesaw, Google Workspace, or Microsoft 365
• Chapter 10: Reflecting on Your Teaching Practice
  • Using Inquiry to Improve Your Practice (Teaching as Inquiry)
  • Gathering Evidence of Impact
  • Connecting with Kāhui Ako and Networks
  • Growth as a Reflective, Adaptive Teacher

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Download your copy now and start planning learning that sticks.

• Delivered instantly via secure download link and Google Doc link to copy to your Google Drive.
• Perfect for individual teachers or whole-school PLD