Design an Experiential Learning Opportunity

Experiential learning opportunities engage students in learning by doing. This allows for development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that will prepare them for the world of work and for active engagement in community capacity building.

Courses and co-curricular activities designed with experiential learning outcomes in mind can have a number of potential benefits for learners, including:

1. Exposure to current workplace practices and demands;
2. Developing and strengthening employability skills in-demand by employers;
3. Learning how to be self-reflective and aware of personal strengths and areas for growth;
4. Clarifying personal, academic, and career goals;
5. Practising working with diverse people, particularly through teamwork and collaboration;
6. Learning how to manage one's personal time and commitments; and
7. Developing networks and resources.

Resources and Frameworks for Developing Experiential Learning

• A Practical Guide for Work-integrated Learning: Effective Practices to Enhance the Educational Quality of Structured Work Experiences Offered through Colleges and Universities (HEQCO)
• Experiential Learning Toolkit (Niagara College with support from the Government of Ontario)
• Quality work-integrated learning framework (Norah McRae, Judene Pretti, Dana Church)
• University of Guelph Library Guide on Experiential Learning Research
• Engage in an experiential learning development consultation with someone at U of G