PUC seeks community partners for experiential learning initiative; learn more at 4/9 Expo

As Purdue University Calumet gears up to introduce experiential learning as an undergraduate student requirement next fall, university officials are seeking community partners to participate in the innovative learning initiative.

At Purdue Calumet’s second annual Experiential Learning Expo, Wednesday, April 9, employers and not-for-profit organizations can learn more about how to become active participants in an integrated learning experience designed to benefit community partners, students and faculty alike.

“We are looking to involve community partners who would like to engage with students and faculty in a structured learning process that advances students’ educational experiences while addressing needs of the community partner,” Purdue Calumet Manager of Experiential Learning Janice Golub-Reynolds said.

The Experiential Learning Expo will include three types of workshops—for prospective community partners, students and faculty—offering more detailed information beginning at 9:30 a.m. Examples of experiential learning opportunities that will be introduced next fall and how faculty plan to engage students will be presented at 11 a.m. Sessions will be held on campus at The Calumet Conference Center.

“The Expo is designed to educate employers, other would-be community partners and students about experiential learning and how it will be delivered at Purdue Calumet,” Golub-Reynolds said.

As adopted by Purdue Calumet, experiential learning will focus on learning outcomes by integrating traditional classroom, laboratory and textbook learning with the applied learning that occurs within a work-related, real world experience. Learning experiences will be structured according to standards established by the National Society of Experiential Education (NSEE). Such learning experiences include internships, cooperative education, applied research with faculty, cultural immersion (study abroad), design projects, community service learning and practicums.

Purdue Calumet Chancellor Howard Cohen, who received NSEE’s Higher Education Leader of the Year Award last November, has called experiential learning “creative, improved learning. Arguably, it is a giant step in the evolution of 21st century education.”

“Golub-Reynolds added, “Experiential learning, as we plan to adopt it, will distinguish the education delivered at Purdue Calumet from that at other colleges and universities. It’s an exciting venture, but doing it right requires a strong commitment from community partners. It’s a matter of community partners working with faculty so that students can achieve learning objectives.”

Employers and not-for-profit representatives who care to attend the Expo or learn more about experiential learning community partnerships can contact Golub-Reynolds at 219/989-2432 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2432.

News Release Date: March 26, 2008