The aim of the Williams Experiential Education Initiative, begun in 2002, is to infuse the college curriculum with experiential learning. The Initiative taps into the innovative spirit of Williams faculty, students and staff. Faculty select from the variety of experiential learning methodologies the tools they deem most suited to the learning goals of their courses.
As a result, the current curriculum features many vehicles for students to “learn by doing” including teaching in local and New York City schools, consulting for local governments and non-profits, mentoring at-risk youth, creating oral histories, providing volunteer income tax assistance to low income working people, and conducting timely public health field research. Examples of experiential course elements used in past courses can be found here.
The Initiative is staffed by Paula Consolini, Director of the Center for Learning in Action. Reach her at [email protected] for more information.