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Youth Education & Life Skills

YELS Symposium on Experiential Learning – 25 October 2023

Lived experiences can strongly impact student learning. But reflecting on these is not only important for students – sharing these with others also enhances wonder and inspiration of both sender and receiver. At Utrecht University, many colleagues use experiential learning in their classroom. Let them surprise and inspire you!

On this interactive Symposium on the 25th of October, we will share findings, questions and ideas on the specific learning effects of authentic (outdoor/impactful) student experiences. We would like to invite you to join us. 

WHEN: Wednesday afternoon 25 October 2023, 12:00-15:45

WHERE: Kannuniken Room, University Hall, Utrecht

WHAT: UU colleagues (from REBO, UMCU, GEO, SBS) present their innovative experiential learning activities and invite you to think of your own teacher practice, to further discuss in smaller groups. We will address two questions:

  • Where and how can we include (outdoor/impactful) experiences of students or their peers in our own courses or curriculum?  
  • How can we further enhance the (long-term) learning effects of experiences, on both the students themselves and other students?

12:00-12:15     Welcome (coffee/tea)

12:15-12:30     Opening and interactive introduction

12:30-13:00     Lunch

13:00-14:30     Part I: Interactive presentations by UU researchers

  • Emanuel van Dongen (REBO): Courtroom Experiences in Learning about Law
  • Roos de Jonge & Elsemarijn Leijenaar (UMCU/UU Julius Centre): The Art of Articulation: visualization activities in interdisciplinary education
  • Gery Nijenhuis (GEO): Learning from impactful encounters during fieldwork abroad
  • Danielle Vlaanderen & Anna Ben Shalom (SBS): Self-Exploratory Learning in a Community Engagement Course (title tbc)

14:30-15:15     Part II: In four mixed groups, participants discuss the two questions, note all ideas on a flip and prepare a 1 minute pitch on the group’s most exciting idea of a new experiential learning activity (coffee/tea available)

15:15-15:30     Plenary closing session with four pitches


TO SIGN UP: Unfortunately, we can only accommodate 30 participants. Therefore, if you would like to join, send an email to youtheducation.lifeskills@uu.nl to let us know. Please, also include any dietary restrictions and/or preferences. You can sign up until 18 October 2023. 

If we reach our limit before your sign-up, we will place you on a waiting list. We will get back to you and let you know whether you got a spot or are placed on the waiting list. We will follow you up with a proper calendar invitation too. Thank you!