Experiential learning is the process of developing knowledge and skills from direct experience - learning through action.
Based on the foundation of Dewey (1916) and Kolb's (1984) research, experiential models involve; engaging in active experience, reflecting on the experience in a purposeful way, developing generalizations from the experience, and testing implications of the generalizations in new social contexts.
High-Impact Practices
High-Impact Practices (HIPs) typically include considerable time and effort, facilitate learning outside of the classroom, require meaningful interactions with faculty and other students, encourage collaboration with others, and provide frequent and substantive feedback.
High-Impact Experiential Learning Activities:
- First-Year Seminar
- Internships (including Capstone, Practicum, and Student Teaching)
- Global Learning (including study abroad)
- Service Learning/Community Service
- Undergraduate Research
Find Experiential Learning Opportunities Here - Current Opportunities
Why Experiential Learning Matters
The Impact
The impact of experiential learning reaches further than just within the timeframe of a student's academic career. According to the Gallup-Purdue Index Report, alumni who report back about whether their college experience was worth the cost say reference experiences that contributed to the value of their educational experience. This included: professors who made them excited about learning, professors who cared about them as a person, mentors who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams, and experiential learning including - a project that took a semester or more to complete, an internship or job that allowed them to apply what was learned in the classroom, and extracurricular activities and organizations while attending college. These defining experiences are what our university strives to provide for our students.
Your Growth
Students gain course content knowledge and application or coursework to real world experience and expectations. EL increases self-esteem and enhances a sense of self-efficacy and empowerment.
What Employers Want to See
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 survey, employers who are deciding between candidates who are otherwise equally qualified, having an internship contibutes to the final deciding factor.