New framework identifies and expands experiential-learning opportunities 

Learning at Metropolitan State University of Denver isn’t about just classroom lectures and textbooks; it’s also about hands-on experiences that prepare students for real-world success. Whether it’s internships and project-based learning opportunities or research and community engagement, experiential learning is already embedded in many courses and programs across campus.  

But until now, there hasn’t been a comprehensive way to define or track these opportunities. 
 

That’s where the Experiential Learning for All Framework comes in. Developed by a working group of faculty and staff members from across the University, the framework aims to clarify what experiential learning looks like at MSU Denver, recognize faculty efforts and provide a better system for identifying and expanding hands-on learning opportunities. 

As the Faculty Senate prepares to consider the framework for final approval March 5, members of the ELAF Working Group explain what it is, why it matters and how it will play a critical role in supporting student retention and engagement. 

What is experiential learning, and why is it important? 

Experiential learning at MSU Denver is all about learning by doing, whether inside or outside the classroom. It helps students build knowledge, skills and critical thinking through hands-on experience, reflection and collaboration. It develops technical and essential skills and gives students the opportunity to really see how everything they are learning in the class can be used to support their communities and future careers. 
 

A formal definition is in the works and awaiting approval from the Faculty Senate. 

How prevalent is experiential learning on campus? Does the University track these programs? 

This is an excellent question and is exactly the purpose of the proposed MSU Denver ELAF. We began by looking at course descriptions to determine which courses included experiential learning. It soon became clear that a simple “yes” or “no” for experiential learning at MSU Denver would not capture the multitude of ways faculty members are engaging students. There are myriad ways that faculty members engage students in experiential learning that are not captured in course descriptions or course syllabi. The purpose of the proposed ELAF is to capture the fantastic work being done across the University. 

 
How does experiential learning connect to the Student Success Launch initiative? 

The Student Success Launch is an effort to improve student retention, graduation rates and career success — key goals of MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan. Since experiential learning is known to boost student retention and engagement, it plays a big role in achieving these goals. The University is looking to better understand and measure its impact. 

What is the Experiential Learning for All Framework, and why is it needed? 

The framework is a tool designed to: 

• Better track and highlight the impact of experiential learning across campus. 

• Provide a flexible, well-rounded understanding of experiential learning. 

• Support faculty with guidance and examples of how experiential learning can be incorporated into courses. 

• Celebrate faculty efforts to use this teaching approach. 

It is not  a formal requirement for course designation, an expectation for all faculty members or an evaluation of teaching effectiveness. 

The framework has been refined through feedback from faculty members. It organizes experiential learning into different levels based on how immersive and independent the student experience is. 

What are the next steps for the framework? 

If the ELAF is approved by the Faculty Senate, faculty members and department chairs will receive it along with a draft list of courses that include experiential learning. They’ll be able to update the list as needed. 

Looking ahead, a similar process will be developed to track experiential learning outside the classroom. Faculty and staff members interested in contributing to this effort can sign up using this interest form.