Teach for Tomorrow; Why Experiential Learning is Essential in the Classroom
By Dr. Brian Simmons
I have witnessed firsthand the impact of experiential learning. With rapid advancements in technology, students must graduate with a vast range of skills. In a competitive workforce, students must focus on how they can distinguish themselves from other recent graduates. Classroom theories and basic concepts can only go so far to enable students with the knowledge and experience necessary to thrive in the workforce. I am convinced that the demand for applied learning will only continue to grow.
Universities can not focus on theory alone. Learning the basic concepts and theories is important, but learning transforms when students have the opportunity to practice the knowledge they have gained. Students experience a new level of comprehension and application through experiential learning as they gain skills like flexibility, confidence, adaptability, teamwork, problem-solving and more. Through these hands-on methods, students are capable of learning what it’s like to be a part of their future profession, within the safety net that universities provide.
OC’s College of Liberal Arts ensures that students have the opportunity to participate in practicum courses to enhance their knowledge and skill sets. OC’s mock trial program enables students to gain experience compiling and arguing legal cases. Giving students the opportunity to practice their profession enables them not only to succeed but also to thrive professionally.
At the Sparks Advanced Visualization Lab, gaming and animation students learn how to create three-dimensional video projects, UV mapping, work on team game production and more. OC’s gaming and animation program is one of the top-three programs in Oklahoma due to our focus on students being well-versed in gaming and animation.
OC’s student-led online newspaper, The Talon, is another great way that communication students can get involved on campus and experience a newsroom atmosphere. Students write weekly articles and columns discussing the various events and news surrounding OC’s campus. While writing articles, students learn about AP style, inverted pyramid structure and how to conduct interviews with members on and off the OC campus.
Eagle PR is OC’s student-led public relations firm that enables public relations students to work for real clients on and off campus. At the Social Media Command Center, students create social media and website content each week to meet their clients’ goals. Another way that public relations students can gain hands-on experience is through ACCESS Newswire, a press release distribution, media outreach, monitoring, reporting and analytics platform all in one. ACCESS is a great way to introduce students to newswire platforms, as well as teach them the importance of news releases across every industry.
In February and March, communication students in Eagle PR have been conducting a campus-wide campaign, called Media Madness, to raise awareness about ACCESS Newswire and encourage professors to adopt the software in their classrooms. Their centerpiece event, Newsroom Draft Night, gave professors a chance to try ACCESS in a simulation similar to one they may teach in a classroom. Their hope is for continued experiential learning across each department that expands students’ knowledge and prepares them for their respective futures. Professors can leran more about ACCESS’ new EDU program at www.ocmediamadness.org.
At OC, students earn more than a degree. OC’s College of Liberal Arts professors are committed to Teach for Tomorrow through offering hands-on learning opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.
Dr. Brian Simmons is the dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Department Chair for Communication and Professor of Communication at Oklahoma Christian University.