USING SIMPLE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES ENCOURAGE LEARNING OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS

This paper focuses on developing an Experiential Learning Activity (ELA) to transmit the basic concepts about control charts. ELAs are a powerful tool developing meaningful learning of several concepts, working with transversal competences and maintain the students interest and motivation on the subject. This paper tries to show how instructors can develop simple experiences to make a real change in the way they teach so they can adapt to the new requirements of the educational environment. Learning objectives in a regular session in the area have to do with the ability to apply and analyse control charts: preparing and using control charts to a process, determine out-of control situations or differentiating common from special sources of variability. We demonstrate how we can use a simple kid's toy to help students to learn about these operations management concepts, developing a motivating session which will end up in meaningful learning. Results on the outcome of the activity are encouraging, students where able to relate aspects in subsequent sessions to the situations and knowledge acquired through the activity. Furthermore, students were able to recall after a while the basic principles and concepts experienced during the activity.