Student-Centered Learning Experiences at Iowa State University.

The existing paradigm of teaching is based on the assumption that a student’s mind is an empty slate waiting for the instructor to write the knowledge on it or an empty vessel waiting to be filled with knowledge imparted by the instructor. Existing science curricula tend to overemphasize facts and under emphasize active exploring of science and testing of ideas, i.e. “experiential learning”. The goal of constructivist education is for students to experience, then critically reflect, which then leads to personal change, i.e. transformational learning.   Our vision of experiential learning incorporates and emphasizes active learning and engagement of learners with the subject matter and indeed, the world.  Experiential learning enables students to be key actors in their own education. If done well, experiential learning demands students engage in higher order thinking. To succeed in the class, students must observe, interact with others, process information, analyze the information, form conclusions, and evaluate.  Students using the higher order thinking skills (application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation) are more prepared for the complexity of issues and questions of modern society and work. Students are also able to take more responsibility in co-creating the experience, mirroring situations in which their future jobs will put them. As well, fostering ownership of learning is an important step in making a student a life-long, independent learner.