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Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning involves the integration
of knowledge learned from academic studies with the experience gained
from practical application. Northeastern University, which has one
of the top cooperative education programs in the nation, has assumed
the mantle of leadership in this emerging educational paradigm.
Our broad mix of experience-based education programs also includes
student research, service learning and global learning.
Integrated Learning Model
The Integrated Learning Model approach describes Northeastern's
goal of ensuring that the curriculum in each major provides formal
experiences designed to help students in the major integrate their
learning via coursework with their co-op or other experiential learning
opportunities. Each major has requirements, such as portfolios or
reflection seminars, that students complete as part of their curriculum.
These activities generally occur during freshman/sophomore year
(before the first co-op); mid-level (following at least one co-op);
and junior/senior year (before graduation). The capstone course,
one of the NU Core requirements, serves as a final integrator of
the major, general education and experiential aspects of the student's
education.
Cooperative Education
In 1909 the University introduced cooperative education into its
traditional educational strategy, making work experience a structured
part of the curriculum. The success of this educational model has
distinguished Northeastern from other institutions of higher education
and cooperative education has become the University's signature
program. Through co-op, students alternate between semesters of
learning in the classroom and semesters of learning in the workplace.
The co-op work experiences are full-time, connected to the student's
major and/or personal interests, and almost always paid. Co-op students
test their skills in a variety of environments while undergraduates.
They discover what they like and don't like, and understand the
rich connections between theory and practice. Learning is facilitated
through the preparation, activity and reflection phases of the co-op
process. Students work one-to-one with co-op faculty as they alternate
periods of classroom study with planned, career-related work experience.
In the work setting, students are evaluated by employers on an ongoing
basis, and also have opportunities for self-evaluation.
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