INTRODUCTION TO EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Experiential learning is a valuable and integral component of the pharmacy curriculum. It is designed as a student-preceptor learning experience to strengthen the confidence, independence and competence of the student.

The term “experiential learning” has several meanings, which are helpful to keep in mind as you read this Manual. Traditionally, the term “experiential learning” has been used to contrast time spent in pharmacy practice settings to time in didactic classrooms. More recently, experiential learning refers to a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities that students are expected to complete through the course of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. Some of these activities may occur at practice sites; others may occur in various settings on-campus. Regardless of the location, the emphasis is on the development of skills integral to actual pharmacy practice.

This Experiential Learning Program Manual provides information that can help you to understand and manage the experiential education component of the curriculum and gain an overall sense of experiential learning. The document can be used as a reference and be consulted whenever you have questions about experiential learning. If you cannot find the answers to your questions, please contact the Director or Associate Director of Experiential Learning or one of the Experiential Learning Coordinators.