This informal CPD article ‘Experiential learning’ was provided by UES Education, specialists in international university and school admissions, working with top schools across the UK and Europe to provide a bespoke service for those who want the best possible application support in the UK.
What is experiential learning?
The way that today’s young people learn has changed: the rapid rise of AI and the adjustments to instruction during the pandemic have reshaped their attitudes towards information and education. As secondary school students look ahead to university, they are looking for flexible ways of learning, especially after having experienced virtual classes during the pandemic. In a world filled with so many alternative sources of information, including social media and AI chatbots, students increasingly want to be active participants in and shapers of their own learning, and have a full understanding of the context of their knowledge.
In the same vein, many of today’s students are drawn to more practical, career-focused paths of study at university, moving away from theoretical subjects like literature towards paths like computer science, engineering, and business. This tendency is reflective of an emergent trend in higher education: a shift from traditionally academic, passive forms of learning (like reading and memorising information independently) to a type of learning that is more practical, contextual, and active (like collaborating with a local business on a project).
Hands-on, reflective, collaborative learning like this is often referred to as experiential learning. It can take place not only in classrooms but also the wider community (through something like projects or volunteering) or the workplace (through things like internships or co-op programmes, the latter of which will be discussed in more detail later in the article). This type of learning is generating a real buzz and beginning to gain a foothold at universities across the globe.
Experiential learning at university level
International and US universities are increasingly integrating experiential learning into their offerings: from hands-on study opportunities and capstone projects to courses that integrate work alongside academic study. Some colleges offer opportunities like business case discussions and simulations, or projects carried out in tandem with community businesses. Others offer focused learning spaces and laboratories for subjects like media, art, engineering, business, and design. Students looking for experiential learning experiences like these at university should be sure to do research into the various offerings when making their college lists.
Some degree programmes offer capstone projects, which are final projects that serve as a culmination of a student’s work at university. They take many forms: some may have interdisciplinary elements, involving students from a range of subject areas; some may also integrate partnerships with faculty, businesses, and non-profits.
Co-op programmes are a type of experiential learning programme in which work experience is integrated into the university curriculum, typically alternating periods of study with periods of work. Faculty mentorship and reflective writing assignments, in which students think about what they learnt on the job and connect it to their academic studies, are often a part of the co-op experience. Co-ops are a great way for students to ease into the world of work, giving them the benefit of faculty mentorship and structured engagement with their chosen field. This can give students confidence when applying and interviewing for their first jobs, and as they enter the workforce.
Benefits
Experiential learning offers many benefits. Learning both the practical and theoretical aspects of a topic or area of study helps deepen students’ understanding thereof. It prepares them for the workplace through real experience and helps them understand what kinds of careers they will thrive in: learning a topic like psychology from books will be very different from practising as a psychologist! Experiential learning brings students and faculty closer together, and when the time comes to get letters of recommendation for graduate school or work, this will work in students’ favour as they will have built a strong and collaborative relationship. It allows students to graduate with professional experience on their CVs, not just academics.
Finally, experiential learning enriches students’ lives: it broadens their perspectives and connects them to their university and local communities, where they will encounter a diverse range of people, experiences, and points of view. It builds confidence and leadership skills that will serve them well across a range of contexts.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from UES Education, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
