In Fall 2023, a core team began the process of reviewing best practices in applied learning through national organizations like the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers, among many others.

A focused set of site visits was conducted at the University of Georgia, Clemson University, and North Carolina State University. Insights from these visits helped form the foundation for draft definitions for Applied Learning at K-State and the initial Applied Learning Experiences.

Expanding awareness of applied learning and creating a shared definition of what applied learning could be at scale at K-State took place in Spring 2024. A survey was distributed to the university community and responses were collected to collaboratively form definitions of applied learning and the initial recognized experiences.

Ongoing work is taking place to gain a holistic understanding of existing applied learning experiences.

Definition

 An educational approach that involves an ongoing cycle of purposeful experience, intentional observation, and critical reflection. Students apply knowledge and skills gained from academic learning to practical settings, projects, research experiences, and creative activities. The learner develops new understanding and then applies it to new situations.

Background

Land-grant universities have a unique mission to advance the public good through their teaching, research and service. Knowledge is applied to impact individual lives, families, communities and the world. It makes sense then for a land-grant university like Kansas State University to ensure that all students have a chance to apply their knowledge deeply, frequently and meaningfully as they progress throughout their educational degree programs. While rooted in the traditions of engaged, situated, work-integrated, project-based and experiential learning, the term “applied learning” will be utilized at K-State. Similar to initiatives that are system-wide like The State University of New York (SUNY) and well-established at aspirational peer institutions such as University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Georgia, applied learning activity can occur outside of the traditional classroom experience and/or be embedded as part of a course.

Getting Started

Learn more about definitions for Applied Learning and the initial Applied Learning Experiences.

 

Looking Ahead

Internship, Education Abroad, Community-Engaged Learning, and Undergraduate Research are simply the first of many to be recognized as Applied Learning Experiences. Read more about the future of this imperative and interact with our FAQs.