South Central Reporter

Experiential learning doesn’t need a classroom

Sitting on the orange round sofa in the Experience Hub, a freshman student brainstorms with her classmates for their Experience First project. She discusses with the group what they’ve researched and how to meet the need of their business partner they’re working with this semester. Suddenly, she has an idea; she runs to the whiteboard corner, grabs her favorite green marker, and quickly sketches it out for everyone to see. 

A story like this is an example of experiential learning that takes place at GU thanks to support from generous donors.

Professors at GU apply experiential learning techniques throughout their curriculum. The learning process is enhanced when students engage in something new, reflect, and evaluate those experiences. Learning occurs in a variety of spaces at GU, including:

• In classrooms and online,
• In unique campus spaces like the Experience Hub,
• On trips to cities like Chicago, Bloomington, St. Louis, or Nashville, and
• During study-abroad trips to Israel, Spain, and England.

Experience Institute

Danara Moore leads GU’s Experience Institute. She works with faculty to create experiences for students which facilitate experiential learning while building a combination of hard and soft skills, and character. She also works to transform service projects into life-changing experiences. Students are often seen cleaning up the community, volunteering, etc. Students can find her located in GU’s Experience Hub on the main floor of Ruby E. Dare Library. 

The Experience Hub

This space grew into a reality because based on the idea that where we learn can impact how we learn. Moore shares that when students walk into a typical classroom setting, the room itself tells them how to behave. Take a moment and image desks arranged in perfect rows facing a chalkboard; students are seated and hyper-focused on the presenter. At GU, the Experience Hub, also known as “The Hub” takes a different approach. 

Moore recognizes that the type of student is changing and most of GU’s traditional students are considered Gen Z. The Experience Hub, designed in recognition of how an environment affects student learning, aims to enhance students' experience, and encourage a certain type of learning. Students are inspired by interiors like The Tree House (pictured), which connect the space to nature and inspire curiosity. Various colorful things are available for the senses to see, feel, and touch and teams of students can collaborate comfortably. Moore paid great attention to small details to create the best Experience Hub for GU students.

Original source can be found here