Learning By Doing – Engaging Students in a Culture of Experiential-Learning in A Criminal Justice Program

The Chapter Seven focuses on learning by doing – engaging students in a culture of experiential-learning in a criminal justice program. Experiential-learning, including opportunities for guided reflection, is a valuable pedagogical approach to make education meaningful, relevant to a student’s future career goals, and a tool for changing society and communities. Students involved in experiential-learning activities have a plethora of positive experiences and outcomes including increased academic learning and a reduction of stereotypical attitudes. For criminal justice students, the desire to broaden their worldview, and their place in it, is central to experiential-learning involvement. It is very important to incorporate experiential-learning into teaching research methods, encouraging students to engage in problem-solving, and promoting activism.