Experiential Learning @ UMD

The University of Maryland is committed to providing transformative experiences that foster the development of well-rounded scholars capable of applying their learning to make meaningful impacts in their respective fields and communities. One way the university facilitates this growth is through experiential learning.

Experiential learning is a carefully designed pedagogical approach that centers on authentic experiences to strengthen students' knowledge, skills, and abilities, paired with structured reflection to deepen understanding and insight. Seven attributes characterize experiential learning; read below for details:

Yellow and Red infographic with experiential learning definitions. See doc below for accessible version

Here is a print-ready version of the definitions above.

The definitions above represent the work of the Academic Affairs Experiential Learning Working Group (2024), which was comprised of the following members:

Mary Warneka, Director of Teaching Innovation, Teaching & Learning Transformation Center
Michelle Appel, Assistant Vice President, Office of Institutional Research, Planning & Assessment
Douglas Roberts, Associate Professor & Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies
Alan Socha, Associate Director, Office of Institutional Research, Planning & Assessment
Michael Colson, Senior Coordinator for Academic Programs
Michelle Tan, Associate Registrar, Office of the Registrar
Courtney Holder, Assistant Director, Leadership & Community Service Learning

Our group would also like to acknowledge the many non-credit, co-curricular experiences on campus that support students to develop and apply knowledge, skills, and abilities. Students experiencing campus-based leadership roles, on-campus employment, student-driven campus events, experiential student organizations, and other co-curricular activities learn meaningful and important skills from these activities.