Learning Outside the Classroom

Engage, connect and invest for post-college success

Though a college degree is one of many factors that can lead to your success, there are many factors that can contribute to whether you are ultimately successful in completing your degree. Research has shown that student engagement or involvement both in the classroom and in college life can have an impact on retention rates, ultimately effecting the number of students who are graduating with degrees. Here are just a few ways that greater involvement in the classroom and in college life can increase your chances of finishing your degree, which can then lead to greater post-college success. More Engagement Leads to Better Grades When you are … [Read more...]

Get tech-savvy as soon as you get to college

By Guest Blogger

It's okay to enter college clueless. Nearly all of us do, and it's fun to start with a clean slate. But by the time you leave after 2-4 years, you better have your wits about you. The job market is tight and absolutely must possess skills that translate to a professional setting. So, where do you start? Perhaps the best starting point to your career and future success is to work on becoming totally tech-savvy in college. This means developing a keen understanding of technology, and knowing your way around a website. And despite what you hear, even the most non-techie jobs nowadays value a new hire who knows their way around things like … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Learning Outside the Classroom, Tech in Education

4 Things I miss about studying in Europe

By Guest Blogger

The funny thing about my study abroad experience in Europe is that I spent a lot of time feeling homesick while I was there, but now that I'm back, I miss it more and more every day. Being introduced to European culture comes with some pretty big culture shock, but you never seem to really appreciate all the little things about your experience until you're back home and something feels missing. If you've ever studied abroad in Europe, indulge with me as I recount the top four things I miss about this beautiful continent. 1. Student Perks Having a few bucks knocked off your movie theater ticket seemed pretty sweet to me as an American … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Learning Outside the Classroom Tagged With: international

Enhance your career prospects with co- and extra-curriculars

By Guest Blogger

Sometimes in college, the process of getting a degree can seem plodding and ineffective. Many students passionate and eager to get started in their professions can become frustrated when they're forced to sit in a classroom absorbing materials that don't relate to their desired field of employment. It's easy to view these students as slackers, but in reality they're very motivated individuals who want to pursue their dreams in a different way. While a college degree is an important asset that shouldn't be flippantly dismissed, the degree itself is not the sum of a person's education. Many students prefer to enhance their college education … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ! What's HOT!, Career & Business Success, Learning Outside the Classroom

4 Lifelong benefits of participating in student activities

By Guest Blogger

It can be tempting when juggling a hectic schedule to take your classes, do your homework and not participate in what your college has to offer. This is especially true when pursuing a graduate degree such as a learning design and technology masters, when you may be living off-campus and employed full-time. However, devoting a few hours every day or even just every week to participate in student activities can help you achieve your student learning outcomes (SLOs), the overall goals for your education. 1. Develop Communication Skills Communication is vital for any student group wishing to achieve something with their activities. When you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ! What's HOT!, Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Learning Outside the Classroom Tagged With: Student Learning Outcomes

Co-curricular activities, learning outside the classroom and student success

By Dave "Gonzo" Kelly

Some of the best time that students spend is participating in co-curricular activities. I use CO-curricular, because the things that students can be involved in through activities outside the classroom can supplement what they learn inside the classroom. My own leadership experiences in clubs and organizations as a student involved in activities outside the classroom were some of the best times of my life. I had fun, I learned so much, and I got to try things and even make mistakes when the stakes were not that high. The best part of my leadership development was through these experiences and interactions with other people. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Learning Outside the Classroom, Student Leadership

Six strategies for capitalizing on student learning opportunities

By Guest Blogger

The college experience is full of numerous learning opportunities in and out of the classroom that undergraduate students should take full advantage of. While book learning is important, there are also other avenues in which students can gain direct work-world experience and list on a resume. Here are some strategies for capitalizing on student learning opportunities in college. 1. Faculty Research Professors normally participate in conducting research and publish articles in professional journals. Depending on the type of college or university you attend, and the research agendas of your professors, you may be able to help a faculty member … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ! What's HOT!, Learning Outside the Classroom