Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning (EXL) is built on the educational notion that we “learn by doing.” EXL is a hands-on form of knowledge building where students apply concepts from the course to real-world situations. In addition to the real-world application, EXL asks students go through a series of reflections to enhance the understanding and application of the course concepts in relation to the real world.

In this section on Experiential Learning (EXL), you’ll find:





  • Ambrose, S. A., Bridges, M. W., DiPietro, M., Lovett, M. C., & Norman, M. K. (2010). How learning works: 7 research-based principles for smart teaching. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
  • Association for Experiential Education. (2007-2014). Retrieved from http://www.aee.org/.
  • Bass, R. (2012, March/April). Disrupting ourselves: The problem of learning in higher education. EDUCAUSE Review, 47(2).
  • Boud, D., Cohen, R., & Walker, D. (Eds.). (1993). Using experience for learning. Bristol, PA: Open University Press.
  • Indiana University. (2006). Experiential learning notations on Indiana University official transcripts. Retrieved from http://registrar.iupui.edu/experiential-learning.html.
  • Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation. New York: Cambridge University.
  • Linn, P. L., Howard, A., and Miller, E. (Eds). (2004). The handbook for research in cooperative education and internships. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  • Moore, D. T. (2010). Forms and issues in experiential learning. In D. M. Qualters (Ed.) New Directions for Teaching and Learning (pp. 3-13). New York City, NY: Wiley.
  • Schon, D. (1983). The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action. New York City, NY: Basic books.
  • The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences. (2013). Freshman Research Initiative Retrieved from http://cns.utexas.edu/fri.
  • Wurdinger, D. D., & Carlson, J. A. (2010). Teaching for experiential learning: Five approaches that work. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education.