What is Experiential Learning?
At Wake Forest, experiential learning provides students with authentic opportunities to tackle real-world problems while working alongside numerous groups, clients, and community partners. By consistently reflecting on these experiences, students link their academic development to their personal identity and future vocational aspirations.
Student Outcomes
- Apply knowledge to real-world / authentic challenges – Students will be able to apply knowledge outside of the classroom.
- Navigate complexity with confidence – Students will grow their ability to approach unfamiliar settings with confidence, skills, and humility.
- Connect learning to purpose – Students will develop and be able to clearly connect their academics, personal identity, and vocational aspirations.
Transforming Experience into Experiential Learning
Deacs Do is not just an internship, volunteer opportunity, or abroad experience. Rather, Deacs Do covers experiential learning that highlights how academics are applied to solve unstructured problems. These experiences prioritize authentic challenges where curriculum and theory meets real-world need, allowing the student to engage in the moment and then reflect upon their discoveries.
Our Cycle: Prepare → Engage → Reflect
The Deacs Do: Prepare, Engage, Reflect cycle transforms experiences into deeper learning and equips students with the skills to adapt, collaborate, and thrive throughout their lives.
