Experiential Learning
What is Experiential Learning?
Well-planned, supervised and assessed experiential learning programs can stimulate academic inquiry by promoting interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, career development, cultural awareness, leadership and other professional and intellectual skills.
Elements of Experiential Learning
Metacognitive Skills
Student Holistic Engagement Opportunities
Learning through Trial and Error
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Community Engagement
Student Life believes all members of Roadrunner Nation have a role and responsibility in giving back to their community through advocacy, civic engagement or volunteerism. Students can recognize their civic potential and take initiative to develop it by becoming educated on social issues and serving the individuals for whom those issues are a reality. Student Life utilizes the RoadrunnerServe platform to help connect students with individual and collaborative actions designed to identify and address social issues locally, nationally and globally.
Internships
A wide array of internships and various practical experiences are accessible across diverse major fields, offering exceptional chances to acquire hands-on knowledge within actual professional environments. These opportunities present an invaluable means to foster practical skills and insights while working within the specific contexts of respective fields.
Study Abroad/Study Away
Dalton State College and the University System of Georgia offer you a wide variety of study abroad opportunities from nine-day programs to semester/academic year programs. You choose what works for you. Many DSC students choose the five-week summer study abroad programs located in countries around the world.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research provides scholarly and creative activity opportunities for students to work alongside faculty. According to the Council on Undergraduate Research, undergraduate research is defined as an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline. Undergraduate research experiences help to enrich the academic curriculum through enhanced critical thinking skills and greater understanding of one’s chosen field.
Leadership
Leadership is a complex combination of experiences, lessons, challenges, and self-exploration that occur throughout a lifetime. There are several ways in which you can get involved in leadership opportunities.
Volunteerism
Rich learning experiences can be achieved through volunteerism. Volunteering can promote skill development as well as foster an incredible sense of community and engagement; thus, volunteering can lead to positive benefits for both the volunteer and the person or community served. At Dalton State College, you can volunteer through Student Life’s Alternative Breaks program or through Roadrunner Serve.
Peer Education
Peer Education assists students in developing the skills needed for personal growth, academic progress and critical thinking through knowledge sharing and peer facilitation. You can gain experience in teaching related activities by becoming a Peer Educator.
Careers and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development serves our students and alumni through expanding their knowledge and skills by providing them with comprehensive career related resources that empower them to attain short and long term professional goals.
Student Life
Student Life empowers students with opportunities for life-long learning through diverse, community-centered programming and active leadership experiences. Student Life is dedicated to both individual and organizational growth and development, and their goals are to engage, educate and promote student development.