A longstanding leader in experiential education, Brock has launched a new program to further support, inspire and advance experiential learning across the University.<\/p>\n
Organized by Brock\u2019s Experiential Education (EE) team, the Faculty Champion initiative will see one full-time teaching faculty member from each of Brock\u2019s six teaching Faculties take on a role that includes advocacy and support.<\/p>\n
During their one-year terms, the Faculty Champions will meet with members of Brock\u2019s EE team and colleagues in their respective Faculties to encourage the development of additional experiential learning resources and courses. They will also lead two workshops to showcase community resources and courses that include experiential education elements.<\/p>\n
For Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Lori MacNeil, the role provides the chance to promote the idea that experiential learning can occur in all courses and in more ways than people might think.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the sciences, many courses incorporate experiential learning through labs and field research,\u201d she said. \u201cBut students can gain valuable experience with course material through creative projects, such as creating videos, games and digital art. They can also connect with community partners and apply course knowledge to produce information packages or social media content.\u201d<\/p>\n
MacNeil hopes to spend her time in the role collaborating with colleagues to explore new forms of course delivery that create space for experiential opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cDelivering more content doesn\u2019t always mean the students learn more,\u201d she said. \u201cWe need to give students opportunities to absorb the content, reflect on their learning and produce a meaningful output demonstrating what they\u2019ve taken in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Interim Manager of Experiential Education Elyse Lappano said the program allows her team to gain fresh insights and perspectives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Faculty Champions program is a real game-changer because it formalizes a lot of the great support that our faculty have been providing for several years,\u201d she said. \u201cWith Champions embedded into every Faculty, the institution now has confirmed subject-matter experts that can work to mentor other faculty members, while also continuing to develop experiential initiatives and ensure Brock stays ahead of the curve.\u201d<\/p>\n
MacNeil said her desire to advocate for experiential education is based on the positive impact it has made on her own teaching.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love being creative and trying new things to help engage students in a course and promote their learning,\u201d she said. \u201cStudents learn best when they really\u00a0experience\u00a0the class material and have a chance to apply their knowledge through a range of different activities, in and out of the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
As she prepares for her year-long commitment, MacNeil is especially looking forward to the conversations she will get to have with colleagues.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope to help make others aware of the resources and opportunities that are available at Brock for experiential learning and teaching,\u201d she said. \u201cI am excited to be an additional point of contact for anyone who wants to chat about teaching strategies and ways to incorporate experiential learning in their classes, or for anyone who is just looking for someone to bounce ideas off of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Along with MacNeil in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, this year\u2019s Faculty Champions are:<\/p>\n