In pedagogy, firsthand learning means learning from direct experience. The first documented use of the term was by Mark St. John of Inverness Research Associates, in a lecture at the Workshop Center at the

City College of New York The City College of the City University of New York (also known as the City College of New York, or simply City College or CCNY) is a public university within the City University of New York (CUNY) system in New York City. Founded in 1847, Cit ...

. Firsthand learning makes use of a learner's innate curiosity and desire to investigate real phenomena, by providing them with opportunities to learn for themselves using the analytical abilities of their own minds, and connect with the world around them. It involves close engagement with the immediate environment. Firsthand learning is an

inquiry An inquiry (also spelled as enquiry in British English) is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ...

process that generates questions for subsequent investigations. Learners may also record their observations for analysis and interpretation, and communicate the results of this investigative process. Sharing evidence and discussing findings with others makes learning a social process.

References

Applied learning {{edu-stub