Why is Experiential Learning Important?
- Makes learning relatable to students: Students build on what they already know and are provided with opportunities to make connections between new concepts and existing ones.
- Increases the effectiveness of learning: Students engage in critical thinking, acquire problem-solving skills and engage in decision making.
- Links theory to practice: Students have the chance to engage in the experience and practice what they have learned, see the application of the theoretical concepts in practice, process that application, and make generalizations.
- Increases students’ engagement, by encouraging collaboration and scaffolding between learners.
- Assists in memory retention, by building strong relationships between feelings and thinking processes. Students have the capacity to learn successfully when the information is associated with values and feelings.
- Leads to the development of skills for lifelong learning, by assisting in the acquisition of essential skills and encouraging students to reflect, conceptualize, and plan for the next steps.
Experiential Learning:
- Combines direct experience with focused reflection;
- Builds on past knowledge and experiences;
- Requires active involvement in meaning construction;
- Encourages collaboration and exchange of ideas and perspectives;
- Can be course focused or in-class, community-focused, or work-focused.
You can enhance your BA and your employability by studying abroad. Studying on exchange can be an enriching, often life-transforming experience where learning extends beyond the classroom walls. Consider one of Carleton’s exchange agreements with 175+ partner institutions in more than 35 countries.
carleton.ca/myexchange