Student working in a lab - Planning for EL

Planning for Experiential Learning & Campus Support

Use these tips to plan for successful experiential learning:

  1. Begin preparations early and give yourself extra time to prepare for any activity that you haven’t facilitated before. 
  2. Review the course/program learning outcomes.  Determine if an experiential learning activity helps meet those outcomes and how.
  3. Follow the Eight Principles of Good Practice (as stated by the National Society for Experiential Education) to plan a successful activity that is integrated into the course, with clear and transparent evaluation processes and criteria, and with time and a mechanism for reflection.
  4. Complete a risk assessment of the activity according to the Guide to Risk Management for Experiential Learning and take measures to minimize and manage the risk.
  5. If the activity is off-campus, consult with Legal Services and complete the necessary risk management forms.
  6. If an external partner is included, clearly communicate to all involved the expectations and role of the partner, of the students and of the faculty coordinator.
  7. Include the activity in the course syllabus. Ensure the students are informed of any risks, any additional expectations the experiential learning component will entail (ex. time, expenses, travel), and the expectations of them before, during and after the activity.
  8. Prepare the students to participate in the experiential activity.  Ensure they have the skills and knowledge to successfully participate. 
  9. Contact the Career Development and Experiential Learning department with any questions.
  10. Review the Eight Principles of Good Practice again, to ensure all principles are followed.
     
Learning is an iterative process, so give yourself time afterward to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t in order to strengthen your EL facilitation skills.
 

Whether you are brand new to experiential learning or just need a little help with:

  • course templates;
  • examples;
  • best practices;
  • how to help students find placements;
  • finding and using UWindsor’s resources;
  • using mySuccess;
  • starting any new EL course or program; or
  • answering any EL questions,

contact:  
Career Development and Experiential Learning by email at: careerservices@uwindsor.ca.

For help with:

  • reflection;
  • learning outcomes;
  • assessments;
  • incorporating experiential learning activities within the classroom; and
  • other pedagogical questions 

contact:
Centre for Teaching and Learning
ext. 3090 or ctl@uwindsor.ca


Specific Contacts

If the placement qualifies for MCU:

Lisa Kiritsis
Manager of Occupational Health & Safety
ext 4521
kiritsis@uwindsor.ca

If the placement DOES NOT qualify for MCU:

Insurance & Risk Management & FIPPA Officer, Legal Services
ext. 2080
jlaforet@uwindsor.ca
http://www.uwindsor.ca/legal-services/310/student-eventsfield-trips

If you don't know: 

https://www.uwindsor.ca/humanresources/safety/report-an-accident/unpaidplacements

Insurance & Risk Management & FIPPA Officer, Legal Services
ext. 2080
jlaforet@uwindsor.ca
http://www.uwindsor.ca/legal-services/310/student-eventsfield-trips 

Insurance & Risk Management & FIPPA Officer, Legal Services
ext. 2080
jlaforet@uwindsor.ca

Richard Taylor
Director of Legal Services
ext. 4059
Richard.Taylor@uwindsor.ca

Kristen Morris
Manager, Co-operative Education & Workplace Partnerships
ext. 3899
kmorris@uwindsor.ca

Office of Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility (OHREA)
ext. 6172
ohrea@uwindsor.ca
http://www.uwindsor.ca/ohrea/


International

Amal Jammali, International Student Advisor,
International Student Centre
ext. 3951
amal@uwindsor.ca

Michelle Fitzgerald
Administrator, International and Exchange Student Services
ext. 3934
exchange@uwindsor.ca