SUNY Buffalo State University

Experiential learning refers to the process of gaining knowledge through direct experience—"learning by doing."   Students involved in experiential learning activities apply knowledge and skills gained from traditional classroom learning to hands-on activities, often in real-world settings.  Students can then apply new knowledge and skills gained from the experience back to their academic learning. The experiential learning activity often occurs outside of the traditional lecture classroom and is often accessed as part of a special program on campus. At other times, experiential learning is a required component of a course or a program and access is achieved through the faculty or academic department.

Experiential learning activities can take the form of special projects, directed research, immersion in a new culture, working in the community, special training, or gaining experience in a work setting.