By- Nirmal Vasanth
Educator, Author, Innovator, Entrepreneur, Consultant. Associate Director – Hospitality Management at Acsenda School of Management.
-Practical Learning
Experiential learning is an educational approach that has always fascinated me due to its multiple advantages.
One is that it allows students to gain knowledge and skills through direct experiences outside traditional academic settings.
Second, it allows me to reduce the gap between the industry expectations of recent graduates by actively understanding the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. This hands-on methodology, rooted in the theories of educational psychologists like John Dewey and David Kolb, emphasizes the importance of learning through doing. For students in the field of Hospitality Management, experiential learning is precious as it provides them with real-world insights and practical skills essential for their future careers.
One exemplary application of experiential learning is the recent visit to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) conducted for students of the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program at Acsenda School of Management. This visit offered students of Introduction to Hospitality (BHMT 101) a unique opportunity to observe and understand the intricate operations and management of one of Canada’s busiest airports, providing a concrete context to the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom.
The YVR airport visit was meticulously planned to provide a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of airport operations relevant to hospitality management. Students were taken on an extensive airport tour, including behind-the-scenes areas.
This included:
Airport Operations: Students learned about the complexities of airport management, including logistics, customer service, and the coordination required to handle the daily influx of passengers and flights.
Guest Services: The tour highlighted the importance of guest services in the Airline industry, showcasing how YVR ensures a positive experience for travelers through efficient check-in processes, comfortable waiting areas, and responsive customer service.
Safety and Security: Understanding the stringent safety and security measures at YVR helped students appreciate the critical role these elements play in maintaining a secure and efficient airport environment.
Sustainability Practices: YVR’s commitment to sustainability was also a focal point, illustrating how the airport integrates eco-friendly practices into its operations. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability within the hospitality industry.
Connecting Theory to Practice
The YVR airport visit exemplifies how experiential learning bridges the gap between theory and practice. Students could connect classroom concepts with real-world applications, deepening their understanding and enhancing their skills. For instance, lessons on customer service management were brought to life as students observed and interacted with airport staff dedicated to ensuring a seamless traveler experience on several occasions during their visit. Similarly, theoretical discussions on logistics and operations were contextualized through the intricate workings of airport management.
Get Involved
Experience the benefits of experiential learning firsthand. For more opportunities to connect theory with practice and enhance your skills, stay engaged with our program and participate in upcoming events and field trips. Your journey to becoming a well-rounded professional starts with hands-on experiences that prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in your future career.
INTERNATIONAL THINKING. INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
