Module Introduction
This workshop serves as an introduction to experiential education. Designed for instructors in the Faculty of Humanities, participants will explore what experiential education is, the benefits of adopting experiential learning opportunities, and best practices for getting started. The overall goal is to increase the number of experiential learning opportunities offered within the Faculty of Humanities by supporting instructors in developing their teaching practice.
The content in this workshop is designed to be applicable across disciplines in the Humanities. Core concepts will also be applicable outside of the Humanities, but this is a workshop designed to attend to the unique experiences of the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.
Land Acknowledgement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement. Experiential learning opportunities, however, may take us beyond McMaster as we enter the community to partner with local organizations and employers. The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Heron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is similarly covered by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement. As we engage in authentic learning within the classroom, community or workplace, we may encounter experiences and narratives that intertwine with conversations about ongoing colonialism and its impacts on the world around us. We encourage participants to enter experiential learning opportunities with an eye towards building new relationships based on honour and deep respect for the original peoples of this land.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants should be able to:
- Define experiential education
- Explain the benefits of experiential education for students, instructors, and the Faculty of Humanities
- Recognize appropriate strategies for incorporating experiential learning into your teaching practice based on your current level of experience