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Discover Experiential Education

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Experiential Education is the philosophy of engaged learning that combines coursework with practical, hands-on experience between teacher and student.  As part of their academic studies, faculty members and students apply key course concepts to a wide variety of learning experiences involving both profit and non-profit organizations.

Experiential education aligns directly with the mission of Kent State University “…to discover, create, apply, and share knowledge as well to foster ethical and humanitarian values in service of Ohio and the global community.” At Kent State University, Experiential Education can be defined as “an umbrella term describing teaching methods which utilize deliberate and purposeful engagement to influence student knowledge, skills, values, and promote the public good ”  and Experiential Learning is “direct engagement in learning experiences that promotes academic relevance, enhances course significance, and encourages an understanding of real-world issues.”

The newly created Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement (OEECE) presents exciting opportunities to work with faculty, students, units, and departments across disciplines interested in incorporating civic engagement into the course curriculum. Whether your interest is community-based learning, service learning, or community-based research projects, the OEECE can assist you.  Allow us to serve as your linkage between student learning and civic engagement.

The OEECE has developed three guiding principles for experiential education, which focuses on the dynamic relationship of the 21st Century undergraduate philosophy on knowledge, insight, engagement, and responsibility. Effective experiential education should:

  • Enhance the relevance of course and non-course related content to real-world issues
  • Favor hands-on student development and application of knowledge beyond the classroom
  • Promote psychosocial development through civic engagement, reflection, and other forms of hands-on learning.
We are committed and excited about the opportunity to be intricately involved in bridging the 21st-century philosophy into learning experiences that help students understand and respond to the ethical and civic challenges of our society. Please join us as we strive to advance excellence in teaching.  You can speak with Tina L. Kandakai, PhD, Director of the Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement (OEECE) (tkandaka@kent.edu).  You may also call (330) 672-8723 for more information.
 

If interested, contact the OEECE by phone 330-672-7876,
email at experiential@kent.edu, or stop by 203 Moulton Hall