Experiential learning opportunities engage students in learning by doing. This allows for development of knowledge, skills and attitudes [1] 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 [2] (HEQCO)
• Experiential Learning Toolkit [3] (Niagara College with support from the Government of Ontario)
• Quality work-integrated learning framework [4] (Norah McRae, Judene Pretti, Dana Church)
• University of Guelph Library Guide on Experiential Learning Research [5]
• Engage in an experiential learning development consultation [6] with someone at U of G