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Experiential Learning

µÛÍõ»áËù has defined experiential learning this way:

Experiential learning is an approach to education that emphasizes engaged student learning through direct experience and reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills, and elucidate values. Experiential learning activities are intentionally designed to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes through experience related to a field. Experiential learning may occur in curricular and co-curricular settings.

In the College of Health Sciences and Professions, this approach is integral to preparing students for real-world healthcare environments. By engaging in practical tasks such as clinical rotations, internships, research projects, and community partnerships, students apply theoretical knowledge to hands-on experiences. Reflecting on these activities enhances their understanding, fosters critical thinking, and develops competencies essential for effective healthcare practice. This method ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adept at translating learning into impactful actions within diverse health settings.

To assess whether your course qualifies as experiential learning within the specified categories, please consider the following questions:

1. Community Engagement: Does your course involve students in mutually beneficial partnerships with community organizations, aiming to foster resilient communities? For example, do students collaborate with local groups on academic or research projects that address community needs?
2. Creative Endeavor: Are students encouraged to innovate within their field by creating new works or reinterpreting existing ones? This could include activities like developing original artistic pieces, designing unique prototypes, or composing new musical arrangements.
3. Leadership: Does your course provide opportunities for students to lead others toward achieving group or organizational goals? For instance, do students take on leadership roles in team projects, manage group initiatives, or organize events?
4. Internship: Are students immersed in a company, agency, or organization related to their field of study to apply classroom learning and explore career opportunities? This might involve structured internships where students gain practical experience in a professional setting.
5. Research: Do students engage in quantitative or qualitative research to explore questions pertinent to their field of study? Examples include conducting experiments, performing field studies, or analyzing data to contribute to scholarly knowledge.
6. Study Away: Does your course offer students immersion experiences in cultures different from their own, either domestically or internationally? This could encompass study abroad programs or domestic exchanges that expose students to diverse cultural perspectives.
7. Other Experiential Learning Approaches: Does your course incorporate experiential learning through methods not previously described? Please specify any additional approaches used to provide hands-on, reflective learning experiences for students.

If you have questions, please contact Sherleena Buchman.