Experiential learning is a crucial component of a well-rounded education, providing students with the opportunity to gain practical skills and real-world experience in their chosen field. At Lake Forest College, experiential learning is integrated into the student experience in a variety of ways, helping students discover their passions and prepare for future careers.
One of the key ways in which Lake Forest College incorporates experiential learning is through hands-on learning in the classroom. Many classes at the college focus on providing students with practical, real-world experience that allows them to apply the skills they are learning in a hands-on environment. For example, the sciences offer lab settings where students can conduct experiments, while the fine arts provide opportunities for students to perform and create. These hands-on experiences help students develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field and build valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers.
One unique course offering at Lake Forest College is Associate Professor of Anthropology Rebecca Graff’s Archaeology Field School. In this course, students have the opportunity to participate in an urban archaeological dig, unearthing remains of important historical structures beneath the Illinois Institute of Technology campus. For students like Callie Elms, a double major in studio art and history with a minor in museum studies, participating in the hands-on archaeology course provided invaluable experience that will help her stand out in the competitive job market. Elms learned a variety of archaeological field methods and gained practical skills that will be essential for a career in archaeology.
Another example of hands-on learning at Lake Forest College is Associate Professor of Art and Chair of Art and Art History David Sanchez Burr’s Installation Art class. In this course, students designed and installed an interactive art piece for the Glassman Symposium, a key event during the College’s annual Brain Awareness Week. The project required students to collaborate on a large-scale installation, learning how to work as a team and apply their art skills in a public setting. Kim Casas, an art major and general manager of the campus radio station WMXM, participated in the course and gained valuable experience in teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. The final art piece explored the emotional impact of the pandemic, providing students with a meaningful and impactful learning experience.
Overall, experiential learning at Lake Forest College plays a crucial role in helping students discover their passions and prepare for future careers. By providing hands-on experiences in the classroom, the college equips students with the practical skills and real-world experience they need to succeed in their chosen field. Through unique course offerings and collaborative projects, students are able to explore their interests, develop valuable skills, and gain the confidence to pursue a path that is right for them.