The Role of Experiential Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

This paper investigates the multifaceted role of experiential learning in contemporary higher education, focusing on its impact on student skill development, academic engagement, and career readiness. As universities face increasing pressure to equip graduates with practical competencies for the modern workforce, experiential learning has emerged as a critical pedagogical approach. This study employs a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative survey data from 250 undergraduate students and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 20 participants across various disciplines at a large public university. The research explores the perceived benefits of diverse experiential activities, including internships, co-operative education, service-learning, and undergraduate research. Quantitative results indicate a strong positive correlation between the intensity of experiential learning participation and self-reported gains in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Qualitative findings corroborate these results, revealing that students perceive experiential learning as a vital mechanism for contextualizing theoretical knowledge, developing a professional identity, and navigating the transition from academia to the workforce. The discussion synthesizes these findings, arguing that a systematic integration of experiential learning into university curricula is essential for holistic student development and for aligning higher education outcomes with the demands of the 21st-century economy. The paper concludes with implications for institutional policy and recommendations for future research.