Experiential learning has become a defining component of the educational experience at Athens State University. Building upon years of institutional planning, assessment, and innovation, the University has embraced experiential learning as a strategic approach to enhancing student learning, engagement, and success. What began as a focused effort to expand experiential opportunities has evolved into a broader institutional commitment to ensuring that all students have opportunities to connect academic learning with authentic, real-world application.
At Athens State University, experiential learning is a process through which students develop knowledge, skills, and values by applying theory and academic content to real-world experiences within the classroom, community, workplace, and beyond. Experiential learning encompasses hands-on learning, workplace learning, community-based learning, learning through research, and learning through expeditions. Through these experiences, students deepen their understanding of course content, develop professional and transferable skills, explore career pathways, and engage more meaningfully with their communities and future professions.
Learn More About EL Experiences
While each category provides unique opportunities for students to apply knowledge in authentic settings, all experiential learning experiences incorporate application, reflection, and personal and professional growth.
Workplace Learning includes traditional opportunities such as internships, co-ops, practicums, and apprenticeships. It also includes shorter-term experiences such as job shadows, industry tours, employer panels, mock interviews, informational interviews, professional networking events, and career fairs. Experiential Learning through Workplace Learning focuses on providing students opportunities to explore career fields through meaningful interactions with professionals and workplace environments. Through these experiences and guided reflection, students connect their academic learning to professional practice while developing career awareness, workplace readiness, and skills that support personal and professional growth.
Learning Through Research provides opportunities for students to partner with faculty members or other mentors to investigate questions, solve problems, create new knowledge, or contribute to their discipline and community. These experiences culminate in the dissemination of findings beyond the instructional environment through scholarly or professional presentations, publications, exhibitions, performances, or other publicly accessible forums. Through the research process, students develop critical thinking, inquiry, analysis, and communication skills while applying knowledge gained through their academic studies. By presenting their work to external audiences and participating in publication or review processes, students gain valuable experience responding to questions, receiving constructive feedback, and refining their work based on the perspectives of others. Through guided reflection, students connect their research experiences to their academic, personal, and professional development while contributing to broader conversations within their discipline, profession, or community.
Community-Based Learning provides opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities through meaningful engagement with nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies, community groups, and other community partners to address authentic needs and challenges. Traditionally referred to as service-learning, these experiences may occur within a course through community-based projects or outside the classroom through opportunities such as the Bonner Leader Program, Student Government Association, student organizations, peer mentoring programs, and other civic engagement initiatives. Through guided reflection, students connect their experiences to their academic studies while developing communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, gaining a deeper understanding of societal issues, and fostering personal growth, professional development, and civic responsibility that prepares them for citizenship, work, and life.
Learning Through Expeditions provides opportunities for students to engage directly with places, environments, organizations, cultures, and communities beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through local, regional, national, or international experiences, students apply academic knowledge in authentic contexts while broadening their perspectives and understanding of the world around them. These opportunities often include field experiences, travel courses, site visits, and study abroad programs. Through guided reflection, students connect these experiences to their academic learning, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, their discipline, and their role within an increasingly interconnected world. As a result, students develop knowledge, skills, and perspectives that contribute to both personal growth and professional readiness.
Hands-On Learning includes authentic projects, simulations, case studies, role-playing activities, laboratory experiences, and other applied learning opportunities that allow students to practice and demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities within a structured educational environment. Through feedback, reflection, and guided instruction, students strengthen their understanding of course concepts while building confidence and career readiness.
- Internships
- Participation in research projects with faculty members
- Hands-on activities in the classrooms
- Expeditions to professional spaces
- Collaborations with community organizations and businesses
Ways Students Participate in Experiential Learning
For more information or to find out about ways that you can partner with us in Experiential Learning please contact our office.
Katia Maxwell, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences | Associate Professor of Computer Science | QEP Director- Phone:256-233-6526 Phone:256-233-6526
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Arts and Sciences
- Office:
Founders Hall, Room F231