Experiential Learning (EL)

The Bradley Core Curriculum requires that students participate in two or more courses or registered experiences that have been designated as Experiential Learning (EL). Experiential Learning is a high impact practice that is at the heart of the Bradley Experience. Students will learn to apply knowledge, skills and dispositions to real-world applications within and beyond the classroom. These activities provide students with an awareness and appreciation of their growing ability to apply learning to problems that will be encountered after Bradley. Experiential Learning commonly encompasses a variety of experiences that can include service learning, study abroad, supervised research or creative production, capstone experiences, or supervised internships and practical experiences. Additional manifestations of Experiential Learning may be approved.

Curricular Elements

Courses with an experiential tag should help students accomplish the following:

  1. Understand the Intentions of the Experiential Learning Core Practice.
  2. Engage in Preparations for the Experiential Learning activities.
  3. Apply academic learning to Authentic real-world experiences.
  4. Engage with a Supervisor to ensure the acquisition of knowledge.
  5. Receive and respond to Feedback during the Experiential Learning Activity.
  6. Reflect on the Experiential Learning activity to synthesize connections among experiences, deepen an understanding of a field of study, and demonstrate a developing sense of self as a learner.
  7. Participate in an Assessment so as to verify the acquisition of the specific learning goals/objectives and aligned activities identified during the planning stages of the experience.