2024 PreSymposium Workshop

Empowering Business Education:
Integrative Experiential Learning Workshop

Tuesday, October 15, 2024
9:00 am - 3:15 pm

Questrom School of Business, Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

Who should attend: Deans, academic directors, faculty, program directors, administrators, learning designers, and others who have impact on curricular and programmatic innovation, design and delivery of experiential learning in graduate business programs.
 
Experiential Learning (EL) has emerged as a vital pedagogical approach in business education, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. This interactive workshop is designed to explore and enhance the implementation of EL, with a special focus on project-based learning. In this type of experiential learning, students work in teams on real-world projects, collaborating with external organizations to deliver tangible outcomes. This workshop caters to educators at varying stages of EL integration, from novices to those seeking to enrich their existing programs.
 
Throughout the workshop, attendees will be actively involved in exercises and discussions, ensuring a hands-on experience that underscores the workshop's commitment to practical application. By participating in this workshop, educators will gain a comprehensive understanding of EL, especially in its project-based form, and learn how to effectively incorporate Generative AI tools to elevate their programs. This is an unmissable opportunity for faculty members to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and innovate in the field of experiential business education.
 
9:00am - 9:30am                          
Welcome, introductions, and plan for the day
 
9:30am - 10:00am
Foundations for Experiential Project-based Education lays the foundation by defining EL and its strategic significance in modern business education. This module also delves into the essentials of project-based EL, highlighting its unique capacity to foster teamwork, problem-solving, and engagement with external stakeholders.  We will discuss how EL can be tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of different institutions, acknowledging the diversity in approaches to EL implementation. Attendees will also examine case studies from various schools, providing insights into successful EL infrastructures and strategies for overcoming common challenges in embedding EL within academic programs.
               
10:00am - 12:00pm (with coffee break incorporated)
Assurance of Learning in Experiential Learning shifts the focus to assurance of learning standards and faculty roles in EL.  This module is designed to provide insights and strategies for effectively preparing faculty and other advisors   guide students in EL projects. Emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives and expertise, we will explore how each type of advisor brings unique strengths and insights to EL, enhancing the richness and relevance of the learning experience. Participants will learn about tailored training approaches that cater to the varied backgrounds and roles of advisors. This includes developing competencies in mentorship, project management, and industry-specific knowledge, ensuring that advisors are well-equipped to support students in achieving real-world outcomes. The module will also delve into effective methods for fostering collaboration and synergy among different types of advisors, creating a cohesive and dynamic EL environment. Furthermore, this module will introduce the six standards for assurance of learning, developed by the facilitators and in use in various EL programs. These standards serve as a framework for ensuring that learning objectives are met and that the educational experiences are aligned with the desired outcomes. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will xamine how these standards can be applied and adapted to their specific contexts, ensuring a robust and consistent approach to assessing and enhancing student learning in EL projects.
 
12:00 - 1:00pm
Lunch
 
1:00 - 2:30pm
Scaling and Innovations in Experiential Learning delves into the innovative use of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) as pivotal tools for scaling Experiential Learning (EL) programs. In this era where soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are highly prized by employers, the integration of advanced AI tools in EL becomes increasingly relevant. This module will demonstrate how Generative AI and LLMs can not only enhance the efficiency and scope of EL programs but also play a crucial role in developing these essential soft skills among students. Participants will explore practical strategies for utilizing AI technologies to manage the complexities and expanding demands of project-based EL. By leveraging these tools, educators can streamline administrative tasks, enhance student-faculty interactions, and provide personalized learning experiences at scale. This module will also address the creative aspects of using AI in formulating effective prompts and guiding students in their projects, thereby fostering innovation and critical engagement. Interactive exercises in this module will involve hands-on experience with LLMs, demonstrating their use in creating robust EL project plans, refining learning objectives, and facilitating effective team collaboration. Through this exploration, educators will gain insights into harnessing the power of AI to not only expand their EL offerings but also to enrich the student learning journey, aligning education with the evolving expectations of the modern workplace.


2:30 - 3:15pm
Reflection, Planning & Wrap-up
The workshop concludes with a reflective and planning session where participants engage in discussions to share experiences and best practices. This final session encourages attendees to develop actionable strategies for implementing or enhancing EL in their courses.
 
Facilitators:
 

Michellana Jester
Senior Lecturer, Global Economics and Management Group at MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
 




Kerry Laufer
Deputy Director of the Dartmouth-American University of Kuwait Program, Dartmouth College

 






Shannon McKeen
Professor of the Practice, Executive Director for the Center for Analytics, Wake Forest School of Business, Wake Forest University
 



For Workshop Logistics visit here - https://gbcroundtable.org/2024logistics

Questions?  Please email info@gbcroundtable.org
 

Host Sponsor: