Experiential learning is an engaged learning process whereby students “learn by doing” and by reflecting on the experience. Well-planned, supervised and assessed experiential learning programs can stimulate academic inquiry by promoting interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, career development, cultural awareness, leadership, and other professional and intellectual skills.

Experiential learning activities can include, but are not limited to, hands-on laboratory experiments, internships, practicums, field exercises, study abroad, undergraduate research and studio performances.

Experiential learning is achieved through experience and involvement rather than teaching or training. It’s a hands-on learning experience that immerses an individual as far as possible, in the emotion and reality of a situation or task, and it’s the opposite end of the learning spectrum to sitting in a room being talked to.

Experiential learning is a student-centered approach to education that emphasizes strong connections between experiences, reflection and personal meaning. Experiential learning challenges students to explore new ideas in the context of their lives and offers opportunities for students to engage actively with their environment — all through the power of practice, inquiry and reflection.