Definitions

There are a variety of definitions for various learning and teaching practices within the field of Civic Engagement. Experiential education is the most broadly defined category and includes a wide range of practices, from internships to outdoor education to community-based research to service-learning. Experiential learning is that form of learning in which the student connects with the material of the classroom on a personal level (emotional, mental, spiritual) usually through a hands-on activity or by immersing herself into a situation. It is best facilitated through the incorporation of reflective practices into the learning module. Experiential learning is affirmed as a key aspect of General Education here at Saint Mary's College.

Some definitions (and their sources) are listed below for your consideration. Currently the OCSE uses the term "community-based learning" when referring to the practice of incorporating a community element (service, dialog, research, etc.) into a particular classroom, syllabus or pedagogical style.

Experiential Learning

"Emotionally engaged learning in which the learner experiences a visceral connection to the subject matter. Good experiential learning combines direct experience that is meaningful to the student with guided reflection and analysis. It is a challenging, active, student-centered process that impels students toward opportunities for taking initiative, responsibility, and decision making." (Learn and Serve - http://www.servicelearning.org/what_is_service-learning/glossary/index.php#e)
"You could say that experiential learning is a learner centred approach which starts with the premise that people learn best from experience...utilises participants own experience and their own reflection about that experience, rather than lecture and theory as the means of generating understanding and transferring skills and knowledge." (The HDR Group - http://www.teamskillstraining.co.uk/articles/exp_learn.htm"
"It includes learning that comes about through reflection on everyday experiences. Experiential learning by yourself is also known as "informal education" and includes learning that is organised by learners themselves" (Wilderdom Outdoor Education - http://wilderdom.com/experiential/ExperientialLearningWhatIs.html)

Community Based Learning

"...a broad framework that includes service-learning, experiential learning, School-to-Work, youth apprenticeship, lifelong learning and other types...the broad set of teaching/learning strategies that enable youth and adults to learn what they want to learn from any segment of the community. Our definition provides for learners of all ages to identify what they wish to learn and opens up an unlimited set of resources to support them. By community, we are including the schools, formal and informal institutions in one's neighborhood, and the entire world through such resources as the Internet." (Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory - http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/sirs/10/t008.html)
"The Community-Based Learning Initiative is the collaborative effort of students, faculty, administration, and community experts working to provide students with opportunities for community involvement and hands on research in the classroom. Community-based learning enriches coursework by encouraging students to apply the knowledge and analytic tools gained in the classroom to the pressing issues that affect local communities." (Community Based Learning Indicative, Princeton University - http://www.princeton.edu/~cbli/)

Service Learning

"community service on college and university campuses - service outside the curriculum - to emphasis on service that is integrally connected to course content in a wide variety of disciplines." (College Compact - http://www.compact.org/initiatives/service_learning/)
"Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities" (Learn and Serve - http://www.servicelearning.org/what_is_service-learning/index.php)
"Service-learning is a teaching method whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is integrated into discipline-based academic curricula." (Service Learning Research and Development Center UC Berkley - http://www-gse.berkeley.edu/research/slc/faq.html)
"A way that students can provide service in the community on a voluntary basis to public, nonprofit agencies, civic, charitable and governmental organizations." (Murray State University - http://campus.murraystate.edu/school2career/glossary.html#top)
"A course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students (a) participate in an organized service activity that meets a community need and (b) reflect on their service activity as a means of gaining a deeper understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, an enhanced sense of civic responsibility, and/or a greater interest in and understanding of community life. (Northern Kentucky University - http://www.nku.edu/~nkuope/definitions.html)

Internship

"...internships are a three-way partnership between the school or college, the student, and the host organization" (Learn and Serve - http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/fact_sheets/he_facts/he_partners/index.php?search_term=internship)
"An internship is a work-related learning experience for individuals who wish to develop hands on work experience in a certain occupational field. Most internships are temporary assignments that last approximately three months up to a year." (The International Learning Site - http://www.intstudy.com/articles/nusinter.htm)
"An internship is a position which allows a student to gain professional experience in an occupational area they are considering. Typically the experience has a level of responsibility that allows a student to develop new skills in the field and offers the student training and supervision that facilitates learning." (The University of Minnesota - http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/internship_experience/internship.html)