Reimagining Student Engagement: The Power of Experiential Learning
Designing Learning That Students Live, Not Just Attend
Session Overview
Experiential learning has become a crucial factor in student engagement, shifting away from passive knowledge gathering toward active, meaningful participation in education. This session examines how higher education can create and implement learning experiences that focus on students tackling real-world problems, working together, and reflecting. It also shows how experiential methods—such as simulations, projects, and applied learning settings—can greatly boost motivation, retention, and deep comprehension.
Invited Expert
In Session 5, Prof. Buzady will be joined by Prof. Scott Day (Teaching Professor at the University of Oregon, Lundquist College of Business, Board Member at Kidsports).
What You’ll Discover
In the fifth session of the Bridging Theory and Praxis Webinar Series, we will explore the following topics:
- What makes experiential learning a powerful way to boost student engagement and deep understanding? We examine why students are more motivated and cognitively engaged when they actively participate in solving real or realistic problems rather than passively absorbing information. Additionally, we look at how experiential learning helps develop both technical and soft skills, including collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
- How can faculty effectively design and implement experiential learning in their courses? This question emphasizes practical instructional strategies, such as project-based learning, case competitions, simulations, service learning, and community partnerships. We explore how to align experiential activities with clear learning outcomes, ensure fair and meaningful assessments, and manage logistical challenges like time, resources, and scalability. The session also shows how faculty can gradually incorporate experiential elements into existing courses without needing a complete curriculum overhaul.
- How can universities build ecosystems that support sustained experiential learning opportunities? We explore the institutional dimension of experiential education, including partnerships with local communities, industry collaborators, and organizations like Kidsports. The discussion highlights the importance of creating structured pathways for students to engage in applied learning beyond individual courses, including co-curricular programs, internships, and community-based projects.
After the discussion, participants are encouraged to share their questions and comments on the topic.