Experiential Learning
View Video - Experiential Learning in Action: The Culmore Literacy and Popular Education Project
New Century College is committed to providing educational experiences which will prepare its graduates for the workplace and the demands of active and responsible citizenship. Experiential learning comprises one of the core components of New Century College’s curriculum and is the process through which students “connect the classroom to the world.” All students enrolled in New Century College’s BA or BS in Integrative Studies are required to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours dedicated to experiential learning
Experiential learning is an umbrella term for many different practices including internships, service learning, field-based experiences, and co-ops.
For more information contact Karen Misencik, Director of Experiential Learning, NCC at kmisenci@gmu.edu
Experiential learning is active learning or learning by doing in which students apply their theoretical, classroom knowledge through “real world” experience and application. By immersing students “in the field” and giving them opportunities for hands on learning, whether studying plant biology in the Shenandoah Valley, working with youth-at-risk populations in an inner city, or designing a website for a non-profit organization, experiential learning provides an immersion experience for the student into a non-classroom setting where learning comes alive.
“Without the experience of service-learning I don’t believe I would have fully grasped the many concepts we read about and discussed in class.”
Adriane Farmwald, student
New Century College
“I learned a lot and enjoyed every moment of it. Most importantly, I have grown as a person. Just the thought of knowing I helped someone out and made a difference in their lives makes me feel good about myself…I never really imagined myself being a role model for someone. The idea in a way scared me, because I feel being a role model carries a lot of responsibility. I realize that same thing I tell the youth I work with, ‘You can do anything you set your mind to,’ applies to me as well.”
New Century College student
