What is Experiential Learning? Learning by Doing.
Experiential learning is defined as directed reflection on learning by doing. While
experiential learning has become popular again among academics in recent years due
to the national emphasis of high-impact educational practices, the concept of experiential
learning dates at least as far back as Julius Caesar's oft quoted maxim, "experience
is the teacher of all things." These learning experiences can occur in a variety of
settings and environments, ranging from in-class games and hands-on activities to
service learning, collaborative projects, research and internships. At Augusta University,
we make experiential learning a priority.
Learning through hands-on activity enhances the process of moving new information into long term memory. Many experiential learning activities are also recognized as high impact teaching practices (HIPs); read more about the many HIPs offered at AU.
High Impact Educational Practices often referred to as "HIPs" is a term coined by George Kuh in 2008 to describe educational experiences that have been shown to enhance long term learning across diverse students and improve student retention and engagement.
A Brief Look at the Key Elements of High Impact Teaching:
Expectations set at appropriately high levels
Significant investment of time and effort over an extended time
Interactions with faculty and peers about substantive matters
Experiences with diversity and exposure to unfamiliar perspectives
Frequent, timely and constructive feedback
Structured opportunities for reflection and integration
Learning through real-world applications
Public demonstrations of competence
 First & Second Year Experience Through cohorted courses and activities, students in the First Year Experience and Second Year Experience are able to transition smoothly into successful college living.  Undergraduate Research The Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship supports faculty-student collaborative scholarship in all disciplines. Undergraduate research provides students opportunity to work closely with a mentor on specific topics of interest in their field of study.  Global Learning Nothing will be quite the same after you have studied abroad - your perspectives will be global, your attitudes international, and you will have memories that you will carry forever. Find programs through the Study Abroad/ Study Away Office.  Leadership The Certificate of Leadership (COL) program allows students to gain experience in leadership and build career ready skills through taking courses that apply to both the COL and their major, minor, or electives.  Learning Communities Living Learning Communities & Learning Communities (LLCs), provide students with a dynamic residential experience including specialized programming, interactions with AU faculty and staff, and a supportive community that focuses on student success.  Capstone Projects & Courses Many majors at AU include a final culminating experience that 'caps off' the undergraduate degree with a project, course, internship, or other experience that allows the students to synthesize and apply knowledge they have learned throughout their program.  Honors Program The Honors Program provides enhanced curriculum with three central educational goals—knowledge, communication, and professionalism. Students engage in rigorous and creative core courses, unique, interdisciplinary seminars, guided undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity culminating in an Honors thesis.  Internships Internships provide hands-on experience in a work environment to gain insight about career options and pathways. Students have multiple resources to locate and enroll in community or campus internships including the Career Services and Volunteer Services. |
Augusta University is a member of The Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) State Georgia Consortium. LEAP State Georgia comprises colleges and universities of the University System of Georgia. Led by a steering committee, the consortium organizes activities and workshops for faculty throughout the state with the aim of improving education that is essential for future professionals, future citizens, and future leaders.
LEAP State GA Representatives:
Dr. Quentin Davis, Director, Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
Vacant
DISCOVER. ENGAGE. REFLECT. LEAD.
A Quality Enhancement Plan is an institution's strategy to improve learning in students over time. It is part of the higher education accrediting requirements of the The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The Center for Instruction and Innovation facilitates the professional development of faculty members, promotes evidence-based pedagogies that foster student engagement and active learning, and recognizes and reward accomplishments and achievements of faculty members.
Experiential Learning is embedded in many AU courses. Faculty can see the requirements and how to designate a course as "EXL" at AU. Experiential Learning Course Designation
