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Experiential Learning Activity Designation
Design your ELA
Explore the EL framework and other resources →Apply now
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Explore funding opportunities →What are ELAs?
Experiential Learning Activities (ELAs) are intentional high impact practices that facilitate deeper learning through meaningful experience, reflection, and mentorship. Experiential learning allows students to both gain and apply knowledge in real world contexts, engaging them in the work of their future careers and with communities that extend beyond the traditional classroom.
In our experiential learning framework, ELAs are categorized as either curricular (for credit) or co-curricular (not for credit), by activity type, and by engagement classification. Many institutions, graduate schools, and employers now expect students to gain experience in their discipline or community during their undergraduate education.
Why EL Matters
Experiential learning (EL) strengthens teaching and learning by connecting disciplinary knowledge to purposeful, hands-on experiences supported by reflection and critical analysis. Grounded in Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle and aligned with AAC&U's High-Impact Practices, EL positions students as active learners who take initiative, make decisions, and learn from authentic challenges.
Through guided mentorship, reflection, and feedback, faculty and staff mentors help students make meaning of experience, integrate theory with practice, and develop transferable skills. Experiential Learning also creates space for iteration and learning from uncertainty, supporting student growth while advancing innovative, high-impact teaching.
The EL Framework
The IUB Experiential Learning (EL) Framework provides a pathway for both credit-bearing courses and co-curricular programs to receive the ELA designation. To earn this designation, a course or activity must be intentionally designed to align with the experiential learning design principles and meet the essential criteria associated with its primary activity type. Each ELA is assigned one engagement classification to reflect the level of commitment, student autonomy, and immersion involved in the experience.
Have a question? Reach out!
If you have any questions about ELAs, we're happy to help. Contact us at explearn@iu.edu.