EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT IN COURSES

Collaboration with faculty is a central component of the CEL's mission to make experiential learning academic. These partnerships enrich the academic programs of students whether they take place via classroom presentations, required workshops for majors/concentrators, voluntary workshops developed for an area of study, career panels, civic engagement projects, or other types of field experiences.

See below for examples of experiential components that complement course content. Read about "Collaborations within Departments and Concentrations" and "Collaborations within Programs" for further examples.

Collaborations In Practice

Psychology:  Dana Gross
Psychology:  Donna McMillan
Asian Studies:  Kris McPherson
History:  Steve Hahn & Anna Kuxhausen
Management Studies:  Rick Goedde
Dance:  Heather Klopchin
Exercise Science:  Sean Goldsworthy

Psychology:  Dana Gross
CEL staff developed and delivered a lecture and class discussion for Psychology 241: “Developmental Psychology.” It included specific content related to the major tasks of the ‘emerging adulthood’ developmental stage, focusing on educational attainment, particularly upon the impact of undergraduate education and liberal arts learning on life trajectory.

Psychology:  Donna McMillan
Donna McMillan’s Psychology 271 “Psychology of Personality” utilized course components designed by CEL staff in several ways.  Early in the semester, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was presented and discussed as a tool for understanding and applying Jungian psychology; later in the course, CEL staff were involved in a discussion of vocation, specifically as it related to Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer and other humanist theorists.  CEL staff wrote an essay question related to the readings and facilitated discussion on vocation that was required for students’ final portfolios.

Asian Studies:  Kris McPherson
As part of the Asian Studies 275 “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Asia” .25 credit course, majors have had the opportunity to explore how an academic background in Asian Studies relates to various career options through a panel discussion including CEL staff and Asian Studies alumni. Back to collaboration menu »

History:  Steve Hahn & Anna Kuxhausen
CEL staff have delivered “What to do with a Major in History” presentations, providing students with information on the transferable skills developed by history majors, and exploration strategies useful in considering various career paths.  Staff have also worked with the department to coordinate panels of history major alumni who have discussed their graduate/professional school experience and career path. Back to collaboration menu »

Management Studies:  Rick Goedde
CEL staff presented the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to students in the Management 251 course as a lens for understanding personal giftedness and examining team strengths.  A team activity demonstrates how the interaction of varying styles can impact team performance.  Students draw upon the assessment tool’s results throughout the semester, integrating new insights on their sense of self for the remainder of the semester.  This knowledge is then incorporated into their final project at the end of the semester.  Back to collaboration menu »

Dance:  Heather Klopchin
CEL staff led the 399 Senior Dance Seminar in visioning and delineating students’ short- and long-term career goals.  Class discussion included strategies and resources for transitioning out of St. Olaf as well as the entrepreneurial skills necessary for successful career management, particularly within the arts. Back to collaboration menu »

Exercise Science:  Sean Goldsworthy
The CEL delivered an interactive presentation to the Exercise Science 374 “Biomechanics” class on approaches to and resources for a career research project.  Students also learned about specific CEL resources to assist them with researching their post-graduation plans. Back to collaboration menu »