First Among Equals? Voices From the Field on Creating Transformative Experiential Learning Programs

• In Event: Under the Microscope: Exploring How We Measure and Report Research of Service-Learning and Experiential Education

Abstract

Institutes of higher education have increasingly adopted experiential learning to equip students with twenty-first century skills, placing new demands on teachers whose professional training has focused on more traditional pedagogies and research. This paper examines this global issue through the lens of a leading Asian university which has positioned experiential learning as a cornerstone of its undergraduate curriculum. While most literature demonstrates the positive impact of experiential education, this study uses interview data from curriculum leaders and students across ten faculties to show their challenges experienced in the experiential learning process. The findings contain important lessons in supporting students and teachers and factors for successful curriculum reform beyond superficial discourse, which will be valuable for policy makers and fieldwork practitioners.

Authors

• Jessie M. L. Chow, The University of Hong Kong

• Tracy X.P. Zou, The University of Hong Kong

• Janet, Yuen Yu Yu, The University of Hong Kong