Experiential Learning
Experiential learning applies classroom knowledge to real-world experiences.
Quality Enhancement Plan: EXACT Plan
The experiential learning and critical thinking (EXACT) plan – GGC’s quality enhancement plan (QEP) – benefits GGC students by providing access to experiential learning experiences and enhanced development of foundational critical thinking skills. Unique to GGC, the EXACT plan applies across all degree programs and all curriculum levels (1000- to 4000-level courses).
Experiential learning experiences and critical thinking skills represent value to employers and a career advantage for employees and employment applicants.
Engage in Experiential Learning
EXACT courses engage students in experiential learning through the following activity stages.
- Experience: have experiences.
- Reflection: review and reflect on experiences.
- Abstract conceptualization: analyze what you’ve learned and how it can be applied.
- Experimentation: try out what you’ve learned.
Learn through Reflection
A critical element of experiential learning is the use of reflection. Through reflection, students examine their experiences, thoughts and actions, leading to a deeper comprehension of concepts beyond mere memorization. Students uncover insights and connections that promote enhanced understanding and critical thinking skills through the following reflection steps.
- Describe the activity.
- Examine and explain what course concepts apply to the activity.
- Articulate what's learned from the activity and how it can be used in future courses or careers.
Gain Critical Thinking Skills
The EXACT Plan develops four critical thinking skills throughout your experiential learning experiences. The following skill development enhances a student’s ability to think through situations, information and problems in meaningful and productive ways.
- Evaluation and interpretation of information
- Problem solving
- Effective communications
- Analysis of alternative assumptions and conditions