What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is any learning experience that is active, hands-on and engaging. Experiential learning can take place in or outside of the classroom and can include anything from internships, lab research, service learning projects, studying abroad and more.
Why is it Important?
Experiential learning is proven to be a significant factor in preparing students for their future job roles and is one of UTSA’s key strategic initiatives. It helps develop marketable job skills that are highly sought after by employers. Experiential learning also complements classroom learning and provides students with a glimpse of what their jobs will be like after college.
Experiential Learning at UTSA
Whether it’s through academic resources, undergraduate research or studying abroad, here are some instances of how Roadrunners are gaining experiential learning at UTSA.
Academic Resources
In every area of study, Roadrunners have the opportunity to learn actively through academic resources that will prepare them for their career. Some of these examples include partnering with local businesses on service-learning projects like in the EPICS program, interning at the state or nation’s capital as either a Legislative Scholar or Archer Fellow, or creating video games that help rehabilitate injured veterans with Gamerz 4 Vets. At UTSA, the academic resources available for experiential learning are endless.
Undergraduate Research
As early as your freshman year at UTSA, students are able to engage in fascinating studies that will let them act upon their curiosity and learn experientially. This can involve new approaches for stem cell therapy, creating bone scaffolds, examining the nuances of music theory in health therapy, patenting new technologies and much more.
Some examples of research that Roadrunners are involved in include finding a new way to prevent Alzheimer’s, manipulating dopamine levels to help people with drug addiction, treating inoperable or hard to reach tumors, and creating a thermal energy-harvesting system to convert paved surface heat into electricity.
Studying Abroad
Italy, Mexico or Japan? The world is a Roadrunner’s oyster! Studying abroad can provide experiential learning for any career, including language learning, adaptability, independence, and cultural knowledge, which are all valued by employers. Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to learn from another culture and also prepares students to live and work within a global society. In certain majors, study abroad opportunities are included automatically as part of the degree plan and faculty members will often lead new courses abroad for a semester.
See some real life examples of how Roadrunners are engaging in experiential learning at UTSA!
