Applied Learning Experiences
Definition
An educational approach that involves an ongoing cycle of purposeful experience, intentional observation, and critical reflection. Students apply knowledge and skills gained from academic learning to practical settings, projects, research experiences, and creative activities. The learner develops new understanding and then applies it to new situations.
Background
Land-grant universities have a unique mission to advance the public good through their teaching, research and service. Knowledge is applied to impact individual lives, families, communities and the world. It makes sense then for a land-grant university like Kansas State University to ensure that all students have a chance to apply their knowledge deeply, frequently and meaningfully as they progress throughout their educational degree programs. While rooted in the traditions of engaged, situated, work-integrated, project-based and experiential learning, the term “applied learning” will be utilized at K-State. Similar to initiatives that are system-wide like The State University of New York (SUNY) and well-established at aspirational peer institutions such as University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Georgia, applied learning activity can occur outside of the traditional classroom experience and/or be embedded as part of a course.
Six Experiences of Applied Learning Experiences
At K-State, university-level teams comprised of students, faculty, and staff have defined six Applied Learning Experiences which are readily available to learners across disciplines. As we near our 2030 goal of ensuring that all learners have these experiences, resources and supports will go into scaling these.
While any educationally relevant experience which meets the framework could count as Applied Learning, these six experiences are a great way to think about how to participate:
Definition Definitiion Learners demonstrate mastery of professional, relevant or transferable competencies through the practice and honing of skills, then apply them to an innovative challenge or inspired design. The process is reflective and characterized by a high degree of critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and risk-taking.
Background Creative experiences can take many different forms and are highly prevalent at K-State. Our definition closely aligns with the Association of American Colleges and Universities description of creative thinking. Learners who engage in creative experiences may also develop skills in teamwork, communication, and individual motivation. Definition Definition Definition Background Leadership is more than simply holding a position, leading meetings, or being in charge. Leadership is an action, and K-State is committed to developing graduates who are equipped to answer the world's grand challenges. The National Association of Colleges and Employers identifies motivating and inspiring others, innovative thinking, and the leveraging of diverse resources, among others, as behaviors evident of competency in leadership. Visit the NACE webpage to learn more about career-readiness competencies. The American Association of Colleges and Universities’ VALUE rubrics list ethical reasoning as an essential learning outcome. Characteristics of ethical reasoning include an understanding of one’s core beliefs, adaptive thinking, and understanding the social context of challenges. By combining the guidance of these two bodies, leadership experiences at K-State will equip learners to face grand challenges with skill and compassion. Definition
Integration of academic learning with relevant, community-based work that engages students, faculty, staff, and community members through a reciprocal partnership. This work connects academic, civic, and personal learning goals to public purposes through critical reflection.
Background
Community-Engaged learning, a form of civic engagement that is also commonly called service-learning, grew in scope with support from organizations like the Carnegie Elective Classification of Community Engagement, Campus Compact, and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators' Lead Initiative. Community-based learning intentionally integrates service experience with learning activities and reflection. Pedagogies and practices include community-based research, civic tours, and other experiences that help students understand an issue through direct work in communities alongside local partners. Kansas State University has a long history of this work, which included formal establishment of the Community Service Programs in the late 1980’s and continues today.
Global experiences provide purposeful opportunities that include (but are not limited to) gaining an awareness of other cultures and backgrounds, developing or enhancing intercultural communication and critical thinking skills, broadening global perspectives in one’s field of study, and respectfully engaging with diverse and international communities.
Background
Over the years, standards for providing international opportunities and services have been guided by groups such as NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Council on International Educational Exchange, the Institute of International Education, the Institute of International Education of Students, and the Forum on Education Abroad. K-State's definition draws heavily on the Forum's definition. Some international opportunities are administered by K-State, some by other institutions and some by international education providers.
Educationally relevant work experience that integrates knowledge and theory with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. The experience includes direct supervision, learning objectives, and has a defined beginning and ending. Other internship-related terms include co-op, fieldwork, clinical experience, and practicum.
Background
Internships are among the most common and recognized forms of applied learning. The Society for Experiential Education (SEE) emerged as one of the early professional associations focused on internships and other forms of experiential student learning. As internships became more integrated into the academic curriculum, other organizations providing support included the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA), the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). NACE has developed a set of guidelines recommending that internships have mutually agreed upon goals, clearly defined learning objectives and direct supervision by a professional with relevant expertise for meaningful feedback and guidance for the student.
An experience in which a learner is responsible for influencing positive change within a group. Throughout the experience, a leader will engage in, and promote within others, competencies that may include clarified values, self-awareness, social and civic responsibility, effective communication, intentional collaboration, and adaptive thinking. Experiences may be academic or extracurricular, related to a formal position of academic relevance or involve engagement in an authentic community challenge.
Mentored scholarly investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that deepens understanding and contributes knowledge. Scholarly or artistic contributions may be shared through a university seminar, poster/oral conference presentation, performance, exhibition and/or publication.
Background
Research programs are imbedded within multiple disciplines and are supported by professional organizations like the Council on Undergraduate Research and governmental agencies like theNational Science Foundation. As undergraduate research has evolved, it has been broadly defined to include all types of scholarly and creative activities of an institution.
Applied Learning Experiences
appliedlearning@k-state.edu
103 Leadership Studies Building
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6087