Kara Brascia
How might we maximize student learning from a community-based experience? We can use the Kolb experiential learning cycle, which can be boiled down to this recurring cycle: concept > preparation > action > reflection.
These steps listed here mirror this cycle. Each step is important and leads to the next step. Note: the cycle can begin at any step. The learning expands when the cycle continues: concept > preparation > action > reflection > reconceptualize… and so on.
First, identify what you want students to learn/gain from the experience, e.g.,
“students will develop a sense of community with 1) their peers and 2) with Boise.” Then move on to the following steps:
1. Introduce students to a key concept connected to your learning outcome.
Provide a reading or lead a discussion on the topic, e.g., offer 1) tips for connecting with people (tips for approaching someone you don’t know), and 2) tips for developing a sense of place.
2. Ask students to anticipate and prepare what it might be like to try these ideas.
Give them time to write or reflect on which of the tips they might like to try.
Before they do their activity remind them to think about and practice the concepts during their activity.
3. Students go have the experience.
4. After the experience, ask students to reflect:
What happened? Describe an interaction or significant moment. AND
How did it go — trying on or exploring the idea of “building community” or “connecting to a place” AND
What insights did you gain about yourself or the idea? AND
What might you do differently when you have a similar opportunity?
5. Revisit the key concept when the group meets again. For example:
“Let’s revisit the idea of “community” and “sense of place”. Has your thinking shifted about… [why it’s valuable, how it relates to your college experience, etc.]?
What else might we want to explore about these ideas? How would you like to explore it?
The Service-Learning director is happy to consult with faculty about how to integrate the experiential learning cycle in their class. Please contact KaraBrascia@boisestate.edu.
Kolb, D. A. 1984. Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.