In addition to community engagement and problem and project-based learning, experiential learning can occur via a variety of in-class activities. These activities allow students to attain, practice, and demonstrate “real-world” knowledge within a classroom or school setting to cultivate the analytical and communication skills necessary for solving problems that students will confront after leaving school. Participating in authentic learning activities allow students to practice and cultivate skills and knowledge that they will need as professionals once they graduate. In authentic learning environments, instructors step in to coach at critical moments. Read more about Creating Experiential Learning Experiences in the Classroom

Experiential learning can range from a small component to a very comprehensive component of your course. Read more about Designing Experiential Learning for Your Course

Community engagement is a type of experiential learning that involves study in a place outside the classroom. Often these community engagement experiences are considered transformative to the lives of our learners and to us as instructors, as well. They involve raising awareness of difficult issues and contradictions, personal growth, emotional and spiritual connections, and making new meaning. Read more about Incorporating Community Engagement into Your Course

Both problem-based learning and project-based learning are types of experiential learning. Problem-based learning involves critical thinking to examine problems that lack a well-defined answer. In project-based learning, students are challenged to develop a plan and create a product or artifact that addresses the problem. This article delves further into the differences and similarities between these two types of experiential learning. Read more about Problem-Based Learning vs. Project-Based Learning

 Experiential learning is often referred to as “learning by doing.” It is a series of learning activities that comprise both concrete experiences and guided reflections. Students are provided the opportunity to continually distill and integrate knowledge acquired from class with relevant situations and problems. Read more about What is Experiential Learning?

One of the biggest challenges to collaborative learning or any form of small group learning is creating groups. Often, allowing students to form their own groups leads to mismatched pairings or students only teaming up with friends. We recommend the following factors when creating groups for collaborative learning.  Read more about Creating Groups for Collaborative Learning

A large body of research indicates the value of collaborative learning. Changes in students have been documented in areas of psychosocial development, knowledge, cognitive skills, and impacts upon attitudes and values (Pascarella and Terenzini, 1991). When compared to individual learning, collaborative work is shown by research to provide a greater opportunity for academic achievement (Barkley et al., 2005).  Read more about What is Collaborative Learning?