Practical Learning: Connecting Theory and Practice in Geography

Through the integration of applied practical pieces (hearing from guest speakers and writing about relevant topics) with experiential learning (asynchronous videos or podcasts related to course concepts), students draw clear connections between course material, application beyond the classroom, and their own evolving skillsets.

• Recognize how theory can be applied to practical work across a variety of career paths
• Apply design thinking mindsets to career development
• Demonstrate understanding of how positionality informs work within and beyond the Academy
• Author critical academic interpretations of course themes in an accessible way

Delivery

Small lectures

Method

Dr. Wittig McPhee worked with members of the Practical Learning team to identify professionals working in relevant fields to complement the theoretical aspects of the syllabus. She coordinated guest lectures, a career-focused workshop, and reflection exercises, all of which supported the final written assignment of the course.

For the final assignment, students wrote a wiki chapter in an open-source textbook addressing one of the course themes using an urban geography lens. Students’ development through the course was assessed via weekly reflections, collaborative comments, and the wiki assignment.

What motivated you to incorporate this type of activity into your course?

I see myself as a facilitator of knowledge and it’s important to me to teach the way I wish I’d been taught: with a focus on answering the “why” and not just accepting the facts that are presented. It’s important to really understand things and not just talk about them in theory, so it’s rewarding to see the lightbulb moment as students connect the relevance of the course material to the stories they are hearing.

On top of that, bringing new perspectives into the classroom keeps my own career interesting and allows me to flip the focus of lectures away from myself and onto the students.

What are some changes or improvements you want to make in the future?

I see value in bookending the 6-week course with the design thinking workshops facilitated by Julie Walchli, starting by equipping them with design thinking tools & mindsets from the beginning and ending with a clear connection of what they’ve learned through the guest lectures to their own career journey.

Additionally, I noticed that the final graded discussion resulted in more engaged discourse from the students. I intend to use that structure instead of individual reflections for each of the guest lecture reflections.

What have you heard from students about their experience?

Generally, the guest speakers were very well received by the students. They noted that they felt challenged to think about how useful certain aspects of the work can be, even if they don’t love doing that work (like collecting data).

With regards to the wiki writing assignment, students appreciated a different writing experience than they were used to, with a focus on evaluating, critiquing, and presenting information in an accessible way, not just summarizing it.

Do you have any suggestions for other instructors who are considering practical learning for their course?

Including this type of learning is so valuable to students, it’s so rewarding, and it’s so much work. Go in with the knowledge that it will take time and effort, and that it will make the course more fun, more engaging, and more mentally stimulating for you and the students.