Practice-based learning as we are defining it goes beyond what has traditionally been viewed as a clinical experience (think medical school for example). It is an amalgamation of three types of learning: 1] active learning; 2] situated learning; and 3] experiential learning. We believe that when it comes to the practical application of key concepts, students learn best by doing something. Interacting with clients, working collaboratively on a team-based project, using a software tool to solve a real business problem are just some of the examples that represent active learning. We also believe that applying knowledge has the greatest impact when it is done within a context that most closely approximates what a student is most likely to encounter when they begin their professional career.
We do not take a one size fits all approach. Rather, we view it as a progression that begins with structured activities guided by an industry professional. Once students have gained developed some skills and feel comfortable working with a specific tool set, we place them in courses that are designed to recreate the experience more closely they might encounter working for a particular business. Finally, we offer a mix of experiences where the student truly puts their knowledge into practice by placing them within a club or organization that does the equivalent of work within an organization.