Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is learning by doing, connecting directly with the phenomena, experiencing by using all senses rather than only listening and attending a class lecture. Through experience, people could change their values and perceptions. Experiential learning nationally and internationally will contribute to balance human activities and biodiversity conservation not only in the developed world but also the developing world.
To understand the environment and culture different parts of the world there should be some ways to exchange ideas through the means teaching and learning. Contemporary societal worldview is looking for better options to deal with social, economic and environmental problems. It is known to all of us that the current economic growth, if not managed cannot sustain the world population and will be unable to bring desirable human wellbeing. There are two categories of the world a) developed and b) developing. Both of these worlds are changing rapidly in terms of technological advancement, population and economic growth. In the past 50 years alone, world population more than doubled, economic activity grew seven-fold, energy consumption increased four-fold, water consumption went up three-folds, and food consumption raised three (Foley, 2010). Human factors also cause ecological problems such as climate change, inequitable resource distribution, and poverty.
The University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is developing an International Semester Abroad Program. The idea is to provide shop-more and junior undergraduate students to get a hands-on learning semester long program in the Chitwan National Park, Nepal. The purpose of this course is to develop a unique opportunity to draw upon experiential educational package, where students learn by experience rather an observer from the distance. We will cover ecology, social science, and environmental science, agronomy, food, and urban and rural forestry in an integrated package.
I am involved with the faculties at the University of Minnesota and developing the semester program. My earlier engagement in the grass-root community for more than 12 years will bring many field based insights to educate US students. The idea is that every one should learn about every body’s problem and challenges and understand how we can complement with each other for the greater human well-being. This unique semester provides numerous opportunity for students to learn and know developing countries’s biodiversity, cultural and social and political structures.
If you are interested to take this course or encourage your students or your son and daughter then please visit:
http://umabroad.umn.edu/programs/asia-oceania/ecological-services-biodiversity-nepal.php
Or contact
Narayan P. Dhakal, PhD
dhak0002@umn.edu
npdhakal 