What Leads to Passion? A Phenomenographic Study on Leaders of Experiential Learning Programs

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 49
  In Roundtable Session: Faculty Engaging in Practice and Reflection on Teaching Critical and Controversial Topics

Abstract

The postsecondary education sector has witnessed a renewed interest in experiential types of teaching methods, for example, internships and service learning. These methods transform theories into practical realities and are considered as more beneficial to today’s expanded student population. The trend brings challenges to the practices of academics and requires a different role. These challenges become more difficult in the neoliberal ideology as experiential learning involves efforts that are difficult to measure by traditional metrics. This phenomenographic study aims to explore the approaches and practices of eleven passionate leaders of experiential learning programs. The findings reveal that a strong constructivist belief and personal identification with the experiences are critical. The future directions of experiential learning are also discussed.

Authors

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

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

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