Experiential Learning: Redefining the University Experience

Abstract

What do gingerbread men and college students have in common? Similar to gingerbread men, many of us have spent a large part of our educational careers following the standard “cookie cutter” method of teaching, forcing redundancy and using little imagination. However, a new educational method that attacks this mundane routine has seen scalable implementation in universities over the past few years. This method, called experiential learning, forces students to push their limits and think outside of the box, throwing the cookie cutter methods out the window. Unlike the “monkey see, monkey do” approach some instructors take, experiential learning teaches students invaluable skills through hands-on experience. Rather than attempting to mold every student to the same standard shape, this method directs students to become naturally interested in learning, getting the most out of their educational experiences. Many students lacking this experience fall below the standards most employers expect in the dynamic, fast-paced world we live in. Having the ability to learn on your feet without instruction is a skill any student should have before entering the professional workforce.