Transforming Academia Through Experiential Learning
In the evolving landscape of higher education, experiential learning has emerged as a powerful force for change. For Devon Harvey, their journey from TMU's journalism program to a PhD in English at Queen's University reveals how hands-on learning experiences can reshape academic approaches and teaching philosophies.
Breaking Traditional Molds in Academic Teaching
Devon explains how in popular imagination, the traditional image of an English professor is often an authoritative figure in a tweed jacket with elbow patches, lecturing at students from a podium. However, this rigid model was never the goal for Devon Harvey, a PhD student in English who previously worked at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Experiential Learning (EL) Hub through the Career Boost program. Their time at the EL Hub reshaped their teaching approach and their broader academic and professional perspectives.
“While that image was never my aspiration, my time at the EL Hub showed me just how limiting that traditional model can be,” they reflect. Experiential learning helped them understand the value of students taking an active role in their education, incorporating hands-on learning techniques, and creating a more nuanced and dynamic classroom environment.
Innovative Classroom Approaches
Harvey’s experience at the EL Hub introduced them to a variety of experiential learning strategies that they now implement in their own teaching. These include:
- Capstone projects that integrate theory and practice
- Self-directed, project-based learning that fosters independence
- Interactive case studies to bridge concepts with real-world applications
- Peer-teaching workshops, where students master specific skills and teach others
- Collaborative writing exercises to refine analytical and communication skills
“One particularly successful approach involves teaching students how to use a specific source or write a certain type of paragraph, then having them work independently before teaching their peers who focused on different aspects,” Harvey explains. This method creates a dynamic, reciprocal learning environment, where students become both learners and educators.
The Impact on Research and Professional Development
Beyond teaching methodologies, Harvey’s work at the EL Hub provided them with valuable professional skills that have influenced their doctoral research. These include:
- Grant writing experience
- Website development and digital literacy
- Project management and organizational skills
- Data collection and analysis methods
- Communications expertise
These skills now play a critical role in their research, particularly in trans studies, where they explore "spaces of possibility and potentiality" in literature, including books, films, video games, and comics. Their interdisciplinary work often involves navigating complex, nuanced themes, a process that was shaped by their exposure to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) projects at the EL Hub.
Rethinking Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Academic Spaces
Harvey’s involvement in EDI initiatives with the EL Hub transformed their understanding of academic spaces. These projects emphasized non-binary modes of thinking, challenging either-or distinctions and encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue. “Bringing these approaches into the classroom creates an immediate impact, even while broader structural changes in academia take time,” they note.
By fostering an environment where students can engage with multiple perspectives, Harvey encourages them to embrace intellectual uncertainty. “Being wrong isn’t a failure—it’s part of the learning process,” they emphasize, a mindset that they believe is crucial for cultivating critical thinkers.
Research Creation: A New Frontier
Harvey is particularly excited about the emergence of research-creation, an approach that moves beyond traditional academic articles toward more engaging, multimodal forms of knowledge production. They cite Re•Vision: The Centre for Art and Social Justice (external link) at the University of Guelph as an example, where arts-based methodologies are used to challenge systemic injustices.
“Research creation bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, much like experiential learning,” Harvey explains. This shift aligns with their vision for academia, where knowledge is not only produced but also shared in accessible and impactful ways.
The Future of Experiential Learning
Looking ahead to their projected PhD completion in 2028, Harvey envisions significant changes in how experiential learning is integrated into academic settings. They highlight three key areas of development:
- Technological Integration
- Virtual Reality (VR) applications for immersive learning experiences
- Augmented Reality (AR) tools to enhance interactivity
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a supplement rather than a replacement for human interaction
- Pedagogical Evolution
- Greater emphasis on inquiry-based learning
- Expansion of interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches
- Balancing digital advancements with tangible, hands-on experiences
- Creating Supportive Learning Environments
- Encouraging mentorship models that emphasize continuous learning
- Dissolving artificial hierarchies between educators and students
- Fostering safe spaces where students feel comfortable making mistakes
Harvey credits their EL Hub mentors, particularly Jasmine Cherian and Anita Abraham, for shaping their inclusive and student-centered teaching philosophy. “They showed me that learning is continuous and multi-directional. Even as supervisors with more experience, they remained open to learning from me, which challenged traditional hierarchies in academic spaces.”
Looking Ahead: A Lifelong Learning Mindset
As Harvey moves toward a career in post-secondary education, their ultimate goal is to cultivate lifelong learners. “We’re not trying to create humanoid computers with all the answers,” they explain. “Instead, we’re equipping students with the tools to facilitate their learning, reflect on experiences, and apply knowledge in new contexts.”
With career paths becoming increasingly fluid, the ability to learn, unlearn, and adapt is more critical than ever. Harvey believes that experiential learning holds the key to preparing students for an uncertain future by instilling curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for knowledge.
Through their journey from the EL Hub to doctoral research, Harvey exemplifies how experiential learning can transform not only individual approaches to education but also the broader academic landscape. Their work serves as a testament to the power of hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the ongoing reimagination of higher education.
