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Experiential learning is the purposeful process of actively engaging students in their learning through hands-on experiences and focused reflection. Experiential learning opportunities help students connect their in-class learning with practical experiences, enhancing their knowledge and skill development. The Department of Psychology offers several experiential learning opportunities for students to engage in applied educational experiences. These varied applied opportunities for students include course-based integrated learning opportunities, course-based community service-learning (CSL), professional skill development, research opportunity and apprenticeships, and student learning assistants.

 

Integrated Learning Opportunities

Several of our courses regularly include hands-on learning opportunities that are integrated into course-based learning activities. For example, (Basic Biological Processes) and (Individual and Social Behavior) include a research participation component where students gain hands-on research experience.

 

Community Service-Learning (CSL)

We regularly offer courses that include an optional or mandatory community service-learning (CSL) component. In these courses, students gain practical insights about theory and research discussed in-class by working with local community agencies. CSL provides students with opportunities to gain valuable applied experience and to contribute to their community. Courses that have included a CSL component include (Infant and Child Development), (Applied Research in Developmental Psychology), (Adult Development and Aging), (Intercultural Communication), and (Developmental Psychopathology).

 

Professional Skill Development

Through our Honors Program seminars (PSYCH , , , ) and our new course, (Foundations in Professional Competencies), we purposefully help students develop job-marketable skills for entry into the professional workforce. These skills include writing a Curriculum Vitae or resume and cover letter, practicing professional interviews, and engaging in relevant work and volunteer experience. Many of our senior undergraduate courses also help students develop a range of skills that are important for the professional workforce, such as our courses that include a Community Service-Learning, research apprenticeship, or undergraduate learning assistant component.

 

Research Opportunity and Apprenticeships

Through our Honors and Research Certificate Programs, research opportunity (), and independent research and study courses (PSYCH , , , ) we offer students several opportunities to gain hands-on research experience. These applied research experiences help students develop project management and research skills and train students for postgraduate study and for careers in higher education, government and industry for example.

 

Undergraduate Student Learning Assistants (ULAs)

One of our newer courses currently offered as (Psychology of Teaching and Learning) actively engages students as undergraduate learning assistants (ULAs) to lead workshops or facilitate class activities in real undergraduate courses. These applied experiences help students develop leadership and organizational skills.