Brock University would like to ensure that those who cross paths with our work in Experiential Education are aware that the roots of experiential learning have been in Indigenous ways of being and knowing since time immemorial. Our campus fully acknowledges this, the original stewards, connections and relationships to the land, and the ways of reflecting on life, experiences and growth through oral traditions and storytelling. We are proud to work in partnership with our Indigenous colleagues, are humbled by their teachings, and yield to them as “ohę:dǫ’ ęhadinǫhdǫnyǫh” (those who are thinking ahead) in this space. We will continue to do what we can to move experiential pedagogy forward with respect and reciprocity as a result of these important relationships.
A Miigwech, Nia:wen and thank you to our Indigenous colleagues and language speakers who collaborated with us on this.
What is Experiential Learning?
“Experiential Education is a philosophy that informs many methodologies in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop people’s capacity to contribute to their communities.” – Association for Experiential Education
Experiential Education engages students in first-hand experiences to develop skills, clarify values, contribute to local and global communities, and make learning come alive.
Take a class at Brock University that leads you to work with the spaces, places, and communities around you.
Experiential education at Brock University looks like:
- Hands-on learning inside your classrooms–and beyond.
- A strong network of community partnerships.
- Opportunities to engage with and involve communities.
- Intentional engagement and critical reflection by learners.
- A purposeful integration of teaching and learning through experience.
See Brock University’s official definitions of experiential education.
Our commitment to experiential learning
Experiential education is a key priority in Brock University’s Academic Plan. A high-quality and meaningful educational experience is one that is aligned with learning outcomes, engaging, supportive, and provides opportunities for experiential learning and high achievement.
With experiential learning opportunities in 100% of our academic programs, Brock is recognized as a longstanding leader in experiential education across Canada. Twenty different types of experiential opportunities are built into courses at Brock — from labs and simulations to practicums and internships. As an institution founded by the local community, you may also benefit from and give back to the many community partnerships that continue to play a strong part in our future direction.
Click on the titles below for additional campus resources
Brock University has developed the Campus-Wide Co-Curriculum (CWC) hosted on ExperienceBU to help students make the most of their experiences beyond the classroom. The co-curriculum presents opportunities for students to enhance their understanding of themselves and the world around them through a variety of meaningful and engaging experiences.
Each student’s career is shaped by their experiences and will evolve as they do, both during their time at Brock University and throughout their professional life after graduation. Campus Career and Goodman Career can support students in understanding their skills, connecting their experiences to jobs and professional opportunities, mapping their career goals and building their professional network.
The mission of International Services is to help all Brock students – international and Canadian – get the most out of their studies and experience. The the International Mobility programs, students can gain international academic or volunteer/work experiences.
Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre is committed to the health and wellness of our community as a vital component of our mission to develop the whole person.
Brock’s graduate studies programs offer an immersive and engaging means for students to both investigate their chosen field and expand their academic knowledge. A graduate education from Brock will prepare students for successful careers and contribute to leading-edge research. The goal of Graduate Studies is to help each graduate student become a well-rounded, creative and ethical individual and researcher who will contribute to the betterment of society.
The Brock Makerspace is a collaborative learning environments where faculty, students, staff, and community members come together to share materials and learn new skills, and nurtured by a mindset of community partnership, collaboration, and creation. This space gives the Brock community hands-on access to emerging technologies and provides a space for all to play, learn and invent. The Makerspace also has a collection of digital technology equipment specifically to support experiential education opportunities. Contact the Makerspace or your EE Coordinator for more information.
