Experiential Learning in Hospitality and Tourism Education over the Last Decade: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis_Vol. 2 No. 4 (JHET 2025)_Journal of Higher Education Teaching (ISSN: 3005-5776)

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Experiential Learning in Hospitality and Tourism Education over the Last Decade: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jhet.202515426

Author(s)

Jia Wu1, Xiaotao Yang2,*

Affiliation(s)

1School of Business, Xingzhi College of Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China 2Modern Business Research Center, School of Tourism and Urban–Rural Planning, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Experiential learning has been widely applied in the teaching practices of hospitality and tourism education. Despite of its wide application, the systematic review of its research progress and trends has not been conducted, thereby this study employs qualitative meta-analysis methods to examine research articles related to experiential learning in hospitality and tourism education published over the past decade. Drawing from the OECD educational ecosystem, our analytical framework constitutes of influencing factors, learning processes and methods, and learning outcomes of experiential learning. At the macro level, technological changes are identified as the primary influencing factor, while at the meso level, industry support and the business environment play crucial roles. At the micro level, student-related factors such as motivation, learning styles, individual characteristics, and accessibility, along with course design by educators, significantly affect experiential learning. A variety of learning processes and methods are observed, each with distinct advantages—ranging from classroom learning and practical learning to virtual and blended learning approaches. Learning outcomes encompass the development of students’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values. This study points out that future technological advancements will further influence the processes and methods of experiential learning. The focus of experiential learning outcomes will continue to shift from fostering single-discipline knowledge to nurturing individuals with broader interdisciplinary foundations and more comprehensive personal development.

Keywords

Hospitality and Tourism Education; Experiential Learning; Analytical Framework; Qualitative Meta-Analysis

References

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