Experiential Learning

In this section

Learning about theories, concepts, and formulas in the classroom is just the first step of your journey at TWU.

Bridging classroom learning with "real world" experiences allow you to apply what you have learned. This direct experience and reflection best describes Experiential Learning. Extend your learning beyond the classroom with diverse, hands-on opportunities that allow you to make the most of your college experience and reach your personal and professional goals.

A group of young women shake hands and introduce themselves

Experiential Student Scholars

The Experiential Student Scholar Program allows students to engage in learning through the dynamic process of research where students can develop knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences outside of a traditional academic setting.

Experiential Student Scholars Program

A student explains part of his research presentation to an onlooker

Scholar Presentation Support

The Experiential Project Presentation Support Program supports undergraduate & graduate Experiential Student Scholars in partnering with a faculty or staff mentor to present findings from experiential projects at state, regional, national, and international academic forums.

Experiential Project Presentation Support Program

Examples of Experiential Learning

Internships (includes practicums and cooperative education)
Community engagement (service-learning and volunteering)
Education abroad (internships abroad or service abroad)
Research (basic and applied)
Student organization leadership
Fellowships
Job shadowing

With Experiential Learning at TWU, you’ll find an opportunity to take an experiential learning-related activity and transform it into original, intellectually-compelling research through the Experiential Student Scholars Program.

Experiential learning typically involves:

Two students work with a TWU faculty mentor

Within a mentorship relationship, students actively collaborate with TWU faculty or staff members who provide regular, constructive feedback and guidance to support reflection and growth. Faculty and staff are to support students in developing their own research, not work on the faculty/staff research agenda.

A TWU student makes a presentation next to a projected slide

In intensive and/or sustained involvement in everything from proposing a project to dissemination, students engage with the content of their choosing and invest a great deal of time, effort, and attention to foster deep learning.

A group of TWU students collaborate around a table with laptops and papers

Students push their own boundaries — personally and professionally — by engaging in real-world problem-solving through hands-on application of classroom theories and/or simulation of skills external to the classroom.

Close-up of a student’s hand with a pen filling out a form

Students take ownership of the experiential learning process, exercising independent judgment and autonomy in initiating and executing projects and activities.

A TWU student studies amid a backdrop of redbud blossoms

Students engage in reflection on their process and projects/activities, developing the ability to articulate personal, social, and/or academic learning. Students are also able to articulate what knowledge, values, and beliefs were developed in the process.

Student highlights

Project Title: Self-Disgust and Self-Stigma Surrounding the Insecurity Behind Blemishes

— Makayla Crichton, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minor in Philosophy

Project Title: A Perceptual Study: "Intent" and "Loud" Instructions on Individuals with Parkinson's disease

— Moriah Pearce, Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Project Title: Uncovering the Lived Experiences of MFTs working with Incarcerated Youth: A Phenomenological Approach

— Jaida Pryor, Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy

Project Title: The Pre and Post-mastectomy Experiences of Women Choosing Flat Closure After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

— Tracy Tyner, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

Where are we?

Experiential Learning is located in the Pioneer Center for Student Excellence on the second floor of the Blagg-Huey Library on the Denton campus. Our programs and resources are available to students and faculty on all campuses.

Meet the Internships & Experiential Learning team

For more information

Juan Armijo
Director, Internships & Experiential Learning
jarmijo@twu.edu
940-898-3310

Kayla Holloway
Assistant Director, Internships & Experiential Learning
kholloway4@twu.edu
940-898-2436