Introduction to Integrative & Applied Learning Experiences

Facilitators: Melanie A. Medeiros & Hope Martin

SUNY Geneseo

Goals for Today

• Introduce the concept of Integrative & Applied Learning
• Explain the process of student’s proposing IAL experiences
• Q&A Session

What is Integrative & Applied Learning?

Integrative learning describes the method and practice of cross-disciplinary thinking and connection-making that is the hallmark of a 21st century liberal arts education.

What is Integrative & Applied Learning

1. Integrative Inquiry
1. to ask meaningful questions connecting personal experiences to academic study and co-curricular life.
2. to synthesize multiple bodies of knowledge to address real world problems and issues.

What is Integrative & Applied Learning

2. Application & Transfer

• to adapt and apply skills, theories and methods gained in one or more domains to new situations.

​

What is Integrative & Applied Learning

3. Reflection

• to reflect upon changes in learning and outlook over time.
• to make personal, professional, and civic plans based on that self-reflection.

​

Geneseo’s IAL Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Integrate multiple bodies of knowledge with their personal experience by asking meaningful questions about real-world problems
• Apply skills, theories, and methods gained in academic study, professional experiences, and/or co-curricular experiences to new situations
• Reflect upon changes in their learning and outlook over time, and integrate into their future endeavors based on that self-reflection

Co-Curricular Integrative and Applied Learning

• Non-Credit option for students to individually meet the IAL requirement through involvement outside of the classroom
• Facilitated through Career Design Center
• Students must be prepared to justify how their experience will meet the IAL learning outcomes in their proposal
• Tracked on GradLeaders system
• Initial learning agreement, mid-semester reflection, end-of-semester reflection and career readiness assessment

Co-Curricular Integrative and Applied Learning

What may qualify for a student-initiated IAL proposal?

• Serving on the e-board of a student organization
• Sustained volunteerism coupled with reflection
• Individual student-initiated projects (passion projects can work well for this!)
• Study Abroad

…and more!

Integrate | Apply | Reflect

Individualized IAL Proposal Process

​

• Must be proposed and approved prior to beginning
• Must have a “field supervisor” or sponsoring faculty/staff member to confirm experience and be available to support student
• Internship & Living Stipend Program–some experiences may qualify
• Learning Agreement requires initial reflection on IAL learning outcomes by student as well as personal goal-setting for the experience
• Sample Learning Agreement

Strategies for Supporting Student-Initiated IAL

• Ongoing communication with student; check-in meetings (individual or group)
• Connection to relevant resources, on- and off-campus
• Encourage collaboration, use institutional knowledge
• Support of portfolio creation or dissemination of project, if relevant
• Share relevant professional development resources

​

Questions?