22^nd Annual Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference

Wednesday, May 20^th, 2009

Rozanski Hall

Conference Announcement and Call for Presentations

Experiential Learning: Classrooms without Walls

Research suggests that university students’ most meaningful learning experiences typically happen outside of class. Curriculum-embedded experiential learning, which takes place beyond the conventional classroom setting, can create more engaging learning environments. However, experiential learning is challenging to provide because of its resource-intensiveness and the complexities that are part of its enriching character.

The 2009 Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference will showcase a range of experiential learning opportunities available to students across undergraduate and graduate curricula at the University of Guelph. It will offer theoretical ideas and practical strategies for the design, administration, implementation and assessment of experiential learning.

Sponsored by the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, the conference will highlight the challenges and benefits of a wide assortment of experiential learning offerings. These may involve well-known formats or unusual ones (e.g., classroom-based courses with experiential components).

Share your 20-minute presentation and, where relevant, co-present with community partners. Consider the following topics as inspiration for your participation:

Co-op streams within specializations Community-based learning/research assistantships, courses or projects Field placement courses Field/fieldwork courses International exchange programs Internships/externships Laboratory learning Practicum courses

Research assistantships, projects Semester abroad programs Service learning courses or other ways of linking co-curricular and curricular experiences Theoretical models of experiential learning Specific methods or tools in experiential learning (e.g., learning contracts, peer learning, student journals, technology)

Register for the conference

Program with the day's events and times now online

If additional information is needed, contact Janet Wolstenholme at jzkwolst@uoguelph.ca or Ext. 58084

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2009 University of Guelph Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference Planning Committee Members:
Clare MacMartin (College of Social and Applied Human Sciences), Melanie Misanchuk (Office of Open Learning), Georgina Rogers (Office of Open Learning), Nancy Schmidt (Learning Commons), Janet Wolstenholme (Teaching Support Services)