“In its simplest form, experiential learning means learning from experience or learning by doing. Experiential education first immerses learners in an experience and then encourages reflection about the experience to develop new skills, new attitudes, or new ways of thinking.” Lewis and Williams (1994, p.5)
With this in mind, Maynooth University have made a commitment to “ensuring students are highly competent in their own subject areas, but also giving students structured opportunities to broaden their education so they can appreciate different perspectives and operate in interdisciplinary teams” (Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2012 - 2017). These informal, life-wide learning opportunities are formally recognised through the Maynooth University Student Experience (MUSE) Award and place “strong emphasis on the important intellectual skills of reflection, analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving” (Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2012 – 2017).
The MUSE Award is currently an opt in scheme that boasts benefits including formal recognition by institutions and employers, enhanced employability and ‘soft’ skills, increased self-awareness and greater career readiness. The award caries a myriad of themes, from volunteering and civic engagement to leadership. Reflection and evidence gathering on these life-wide learning experiences takes place in the institution’s personal learning and eportfolio platform, PebblePad, and the student’s eportfolio is used to apply for the award. Employers and alumni also have strong links with the programme as mentors with access to the student eportfolio, thus extending the learning experience.
In this ‘technology in action’ talk, the benefits and challenges of implementing a student award and the accompanying eportfolio solution will be discussed as well as tips and tricks for those embarking on similar projects. The wider role of the eportfolio in enhancing future readiness and life-wide learning will also feature as we discuss examples and lessons learned from other institutions around the globe.
Speakers
Dr Aisling Flynn, Experiential Learning Officer, Maynooth University
James Blackburn, Implementation Specialist, PebblePad
References
Lewis, L. H. and Williams, C. J. (1994), Experiential learning: Past and present. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 1994: 5-16. doi:10.1002/ace.36719946203
Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2012-2017 Available at:https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/about-us/university-strategic-plan
