Experiential Learning at Brandeis
What's New
June 16th Deadline for EL Funds for Fall Courses! Download an application
FALL '08 COURSES
Full definition of E-L used by Brandeis
The categories of E-L courses
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Experiential learning (E-L) is a method of constructing knowledge through direct experience. Experiential courses are designed to combine "hands-on" activities with critical thinking and reflection about one's experience to create a powerful synthesis of theory and practice.
Scroll down for more details on "learning by doing " at Brandeis. Also see the new website especially for Community Engaged Learning, experiential learning through partnering with community organizations.
What are some ways I can participate?
I am a:
Student
Faculty Member
Staff Member
What do we mean by "learning by doing?"
The "doing" takes different forms depending on the course and discipline. It could involve fieldwork in local towns to analyze water quality or to record an oral history of a neighborhood. It could mean conducting independent research, staging a class debate, writing computer code to create an animated film, or creating and performing a piece of music or poetry or a dance. Many projects take students beyond the Brandeis campus, whether to partner with a community group, conduct research at a museum in Boston, serve as an intern for a semester, or study overseas. Below are some of the categories of experiential learning activities; these may be courses, independent projects supervised by faculty, or part of a study abroad program. In addition, Brandeis offers an array of not-for-credit opportunities for student leadership and volunteer projects which involve learning by doing.