Chunked Experiential Learning – an innovative teaching methodology for a modern, diverse classroom

The focus on how we teach widening participation students needs to change and the call from the Office for Students (OfS) to create Access and Participation Plans in 2018 was a much needed one. Between 2017 and 2020 St Patrick's College, London redesigned its learning and teaching methodologies to create a unique learning experience for non-traditional students which is known as Chunked Experiential Learning. This approach is student-centred, is designed to build both knowledge and skills within students, and encapsulates several key areas which drive towards student success; chunks of learning to avoid distraction or boredom, knowledge transference which makes the most appropriate use of a lecturer's knowledge, experiential learning to build skills, confidence and real-world capabilities, assessment practice to provide students with an understanding of assessment formats – formatively and without pressure – one step at a time, deliberate feedback to ensure that students know how to improve their work and classroom conduct and opportunities for reflection, which builds a personalised, contextual learning and a rapport with teachers. The methodological approach has demonstrated initial efficacy upon results through vastly increased submission rates, pass rates and student satisfaction responses.