Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is an educational approach based on theories of John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget. It is an approach that emphasizes the role of direct life experiences in student learning (Kolb, 1984: 20-38). At RDC Sociology, experiential learning is affected by providing students with opportunities to examine conceptual knowledge they gain in lectures to direct ‘real world’ experiences. Students are expected to accommodate lecture concepts to their direct social experiences, and to assimilate their direct experiences to academic concepts they learn in class. In this process, students make use of both their primary and secondary experiences in their learning, and achieve personal transformation intellectually and emotionally.
We are currently offering two avenues of experiential learning for students – Educational Travel and Community Service Learning.
Educational Travel
The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.
---- Samuel Johnson, 18th century English author.
We are currently offering educational travel to China. This is a program that combines on-campus lectures and a subsequent three week field trip to major cities – Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai – in China. Apart from visiting world famous historical sites such as the Great Wall and Terracotta Warrior Site Museum, participants will be provided with ample opportunities to experience life in the ancient city of Xi’an, and reflect upon the meaning of globalization and cultural difference in an alien environment. In addition, students will have the chance to have meaningful interaction with their peers and academic faculties from Xi’an Jiaotong University, which is our collaborative institution in China.
Students can choose to enrol either as a credit-for-degree or non-credit participant.
Past blog entries of students who participated in the China Educational Travel program can be read here:
• China Educational Travel, Spring 2011
• China Educational Travel, Spring 2010
For information about future trips, please contact Dr. Choonlee Chai at chai.choonlee@rdc.ab.ca
Community Service-Learning
It integrates community service with academic learning, and is of mutual benefit to both community and campus. It structures opportunities for students to link community engagement with their academic program. CSL connects learners with non-profit organizations or public service agencies. It offers learners academically based experiences of community service which focus on such values as understanding, diversity, social justice, human solidarity and engaged citizenship.
Community Service-Learning:
1. challenges students and faculty to think about complex social issues and to make vital links between communities and classrooms
2. develops social citizenship, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
3. enhances the goals of the course by making learning immediately relevant to community life.
4. mentors capable, motivated and flexible volunteers, develops student resumes, and provides the opportunity to develop work skills.
5. helps provide opportunities for personal growth, personal development and social healing.
There are currently six Sociology courses which offer a CSL component. These include: Sociology of Aging; Sociology of Gender & Sexuality; Social Stratification; The Development of Sociological Thought I and II; Sociology of Work and Criminology.
For more information these Community Service Learning courses contact either Dr. Krista Robson, krista.robson@rdc.ab.ca or Dr. Choonlee Chai, chai.choonlee@rdc.ab.ca