Northumbria
University, Newcastle has welcomed higher education institutions from across
the UK for a one-day event exploring how experiential learning can enhance life
chances for students.
The
event, held at Northumbria’s City Campus in Newcastle upon Tyne, attracted over
200 delegates from universities including Leeds, Keele, York, Dundee,
Manchester Metropolitan, Newcastle, Anglia Ruskin, Hertfordshire, and Sussex.
Delivered
in partnership with the Institute of Experiential and Skills Based Learning
(IESBL) and education consultants GTI, the event focused on the theme of
‘experiential learning in its disciplinary context.’ Through a series of
workshops and discussions, attendees examined best practices and innovative
approaches to ‘learning by doing’ across a range of disciplines, championing
this critical method of teaching.
Experiential
learning is a cornerstone of Northumbria’s strategy to power an inclusive
economy – helping to place more graduates in highly skilled jobs in the North
East than any other university. The university has built a strong reputation
for working with industry partners to offer high-quality, real-world learning
experiences that enhance career opportunities—especially for students from
backgrounds without ready access to professional networks. By expanding its
provision of experiential learning, Northumbria aims to equip all students with
the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
The
event featured a keynote speech by Professor Graham Wynn, Northumbria’s Pro
Vice Chancellor for Education, who shared his insights into the transformative
potential of experiential learning. Professor Wynn highlighted how practical,
applied learning not only enhances student employability but also bridges the
gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
Key
Highlights:
- Collaborative
Workshops: Led by staff from Northumbria and partner universities, the
workshops explored innovative approaches to experiential learning,
addressing the unique needs of different subject areas.
- Student
Input: Recognizing the importance of the student perspective, Northumbria
University invited students to share their own experiences and insights.
Their contributions help educators refine and further improve experiential
learning strategies moving forward.
- Sector-Wide
Engagement: The event was designed to foster collaboration across UK
universities, offering a platform for institutions to exchange ideas,
share success stories, and develop new opportunities for students across
the higher education landscape.
Professor
Wynn commented: “At Northumbria, we believe in the power of experiential
learning to transform students' futures. By giving students the chance to apply
their learning in real-world contexts, we provide them with the skills and
confidence to succeed. We are excited to bring together colleagues from across
the UK to champion best practices and explore new ways to grow this important
provision in higher education.”
Northumbria
University is proud to support the Institute of Experiential and Skills Based
Learning (IESBL) in advancing the use of experiential learning in higher
education, helping to shape the future of teaching and learning in the UK.
