Experiential Learning and Learning Environments: The Case of Active Listening Skills

Social work education research frequently has suggested an interaction between teaching techniques and learning environments. However, this interaction has never been tested. This study compared virtual and face-to-face learning environments and included active listening concepts to test whether the effectiveness of learning environments depends on teaching techniques. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two learning environments (virtual, face-to-face) and two teaching techniques (experiential, lecture plus discussion) on satisfaction, perception of learning gains, and learning of listening skills. Findings support that both virtual and face-to-face experiential learning are teaching techniques that can develop listening skills, but the interaction was the opposite of that originally predicted. Face-to-face learning environments provided better results than virtual learning environments only when experiential learning techniques were used.