Exploring Student Perceptions and Experiences of Experiential Learning at the University of Leeds
This is the outline of what my research project will entail.
I am working alongside my research partner Val Paslar to better understand the impact and experience of experiential learning activities on students at the University of Leeds.
Experiential learning is a way of designing learning activities in flexible, creative, and adaptable ways; it values the processes of learning as much as the outcomes; it is a form of learning that involves the whole person in the process of developing skills, knowledge, self-awareness and sense of being and belonging in the world. The key difference between experiential learning and other techniques, such as active learning, is the refletion element, conducted at the end of the session. The insights gathered through this project will inform the institutional approach to Experiential learning within the curriculum.
This summer, we will review materials that have been compiled and developed by student interns working on the broad Experiential Learning project, focusing on perspectives relating to student experiences of experiential learning. We will also develop a process to review the resources and prepare a report to summarise the key experiences and impact of experiential learning for students.
We hope that our research will be utilised in the design of staff training programs based on digital resources based on student perceptions, to develop this style of learning, both at the University of Leeds and other international partner universities during our Leadership in Action element of the programme. In addition, we will design podcast episodes to serve as supplementary learning resources, based on our collated student perception conclusions, for implementing experiential learning into curriculum.
We are so excited to make a direct impact on our (and worldwide) university curriculums as students, for students to thrive in education due to experiential learning, and stay tuned for updates on our research journey!
Oscar Kennedy
(He/Him)
Student, University of Leeds
Hi everyone!
I’m a second-year law student and future solicitor. My Laidlaw research project explores the development of experiential learning in teaching practice, looking at practical approaches like simulations, clinics, and problem-based exercises to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Outside my academic work, I’m an avid football fan and enjoy discussing the game whenever I get the chance. I’m really looking forward to connecting with fellow scholars across disciplines who are interested in educational innovation, policy, or sport. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat — I’d love to collaborate and exchange ideas!
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