This experiential education strategy allows students to apply theory and course content to concrete experiences that encourage reflection and conceptualization.
These experiences not only encourage active learning but also include structured reflection, encouraging the student to refer back to the experience in an effort to make sense of it by considering relevant course material. These concrete experiences could take place within the classroom or outside the classroom through observation, reflection and practical applications. They are combined with purposeful reflective learning exercises such that the experience is considered in relation to the concepts/theories addressed in the class.
Key Features
How do students engage in EE?
Within the classroom through the use of guest speakers, rehearsals and performances, role playing, visual media, case studies, simulations, workshops and laboratory courses, course-based research or outside of the classroom through interviews with professionals in a particular field, participation in community events, observations of lived experiences that correlate with topics under study, and visits/field trips to sites that are of particular relevance to certain disciplines.
To what extent are community partners engaged/involved?
As guest speakers/participants, transferring knowledge and/or subject matter expertise within the classroom or as bystanders being observed within the community.
Is priority given to student learning outcomes or community partner needs?
Student learning outcomes for the course are the priority with this type of EE.
How long and how frequently do these experiences occur?
Experiential Activities take place throughout the length of the course. Experiential activities make up a significant portion of the course.
How are students remunerated?
Students receive academic credit for Experiential Activities. Experiential Activities are unpaid.
Course Example
Osgoode Law School: LW 5440.04 M, Evidence and Proof: Theory and Practice
The seminar will begin to develop in students the skills necessary to become effective litigators. That objective will be achieved both by enhancing students’ understanding of the law of evidence and also by assisting students to acquire the skills of factual analysis that are the stock and trade of trial lawyers. While doing so, the seminar will also afford students a unique opportunity to reflect on the litigation process and critically analyze how cases are constructed. EE Component: In this seminar, students will learn by doing. Materials from an actual murder case will provide the focus of in-class exercises. Excerpts from a documentary film involving that very same case, which chronicles the actual prosecution from start to finish, will supplement these exercises.
Logistics
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