Applied Learning is experiential learning: Students use classroom lessons to address real-life challenges. As they do so, they periodically consider what they have learned in the process.
In addressing real-life challenges, students often partner with members of the greater community. In this way, students are learning how to -
- Engage with people who have different ideas and backgrounds.
- Listen without judging, listen with curiosity
- Find and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
- Express their ideas clearly and concisely.
- Create unique solutions to shared concerns.
In this way, students are involved in civic engagement.
To design longer-term solutions to challenges, students can collaborate with an appropriate government office because government officials can develop policies, regulations, and laws. At SUNY Cortland, we call this "democracy engagement." It is a nonpartisan, issues-focused, and experiential approach to learning.
Among the benefits of applied learning and democracy engagement are that students -
- Realize that they can effectively engage in civic decision-making between elections.
- Develop a better understanding of what they are voting for in elections.
- Learn about the importance of a variety of academic subjects in an issue.
- Can learn about themselves - Their career interests, their preconceptions, and their abilities.
Kinds of SUNY approved applied learning strategies include
- Clinical placement
- Internships
- Creative work
- Practicum
- Research
- Entrepreneurship program
- Service-learning
- Field study
- Travel, domestic or international
SUNY Cortland offers over 300 applied learning courses. You can search for applied learning courses at the Registrar's Office ' webpage by entering "AL" in the "Attribute/General Education" field.
Examples include
- Exercise Prescription (EXS 432) students applied exercise science skills to help people address conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity, metabolic syndrome, pulmonary disorders, or neuromuscular disease. Students evaluate clients and prescribe individual exercise and fitness programs.
- A student conducted research with her Biological Sciences Professor Christa Chatfield on ways of using one kind of bacterium to attack another kind of bacterium that destroys oysters from New York to Maine. The student said that she thrives when she uses her skills outside of the classroom.
- In a Psychology research project with Professor Leslie Eaton, a student learned how to use technology to read brain waves to tell when a person is opening or closing their eyes. The student said that "this project helped me realize that this is the kind of work that I want to do everyday." The student researcher was preparing for a career in helping individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
Examples of Applied Learning Courses:
- Administration of Recreation
- Business Writing
- Community Health
- Camp Leadership
- Critical Media Literacy
- Dance and Individuals with Disabilities
- Field TV Production
- Intermediate Computer Applications
- Introduction to Inclusive Outdoor Activities
- Introduction to New Media
- Introduction to Urban Education
- Perspective on Disabilities: Children, Families, and Communities
- Prisons and Punishment
- Strategic Management
- Teaching Reading in the Second Language Classroom