Five Experiential Learning Activities in Addictions Education

Students’ Perspectives of Experiential Learning in an Addictions Course

“…The findings indicated that the abstinence experience followed by reflection resulted in deeper learning, empathy, and development. These results are aligned with the enhanced empathy and awareness resulting from similar activities conducted at the master's level (Caldwell, 2007;Giordano et al, 2015;Harrawood et al, 2011;Ieva et al, 2009;Spaid & Squires, 2006;Warren et al, 2012). The meaning-making illuminated in the reflective writing assignments further illustrates conclusions that experiential learning can enhance students' learning beyond the classroom (Griffith & Frieden, 2000;McKeachie & Svinicki, 2006;Schelbe et al, 2014).…”

“…In substance use disorder courses, students often engage in experiential learning with reflection through abstinence assignments in which they abstain from something they value, such as sugar, caffeine, or social media, for a designated period. Researchers have found that abstinence assignments increase self-awareness and empathy among master's-level counseling trainees (Caldwell, 2007;Giordano et al, 2015;Harrawood, McClure, & Nelson, 2011;Ieva, Ohrt, Swank, & Young 2009;Spaid & Squires, 2006;Warren, Hof, McGriff, & Morris, 2012). Similar research has not been conducted with bachelor's-level trainees; however, such research is needed because most substance use practitioners are trained at the bachelor's level (NAADAC, 2012;Rieckmann, Farentinos, Tillotson, Kocarnik, & McCarty, 2011).…”

Addiction Education and Training for Counselors: A Qualitative Study of Five Experts

“…If the goal is to increase students' empathetic skills and possibly explore their attitudes and beliefs, experiential activities may be more appealing. Because of the stigma associated with addiction (Kelly & Westerhoff, 2010), experiential activities are highly suggested (Warren, Hof, McGriff, & Morris, 2012). If an instructor chooses to require attendance at a self-help group, a couple of steps should be taken.…”

Flipping the Counseling Classroom to Enhance Application-Based Learning Activities

“…Experiential learning strategies, those based on a cycle of experience and reflection, appear common in counselor education, across courses such as group work, multicultural counseling, and couples/family counseling (Fulton & Gonzalez, 2015). Experiential learning strategies are effective methods to educate students about counseling knowledge, skills, and populations (Warren, Hof, McGriff, & Morris, 2012). Role play, for example, is one common experiential activity in counselor education courses that is an engaging activity, effective in helping students feel more comfortable in the role of counselor (Smith, 2009).…”