Experiential Education and Community Involvement Practices at the Postsecondary Level: Implications for Career Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Based on the premise that there is substantial correlation between the goals and objectives of career education and experiential education (learning activities outside the normal classroom), four themes are developed: A typology of experiential education and community involvement practices, an overview of selected exemplary experiential education and community involvement practices and programs, critical issues of experiential education as they relate to career education, and recommendations for Federal activity to enhance experiential education as it relates to career education. Major types of experiential education discussed are cooperative education, internships (preprofessional and general education), field experience, cross cultural field experience, policy research experiences, and national youth service. Critical issues are discussed and provide the rationale for the recommendations made. These issues are (1) academic issues involving the effectiveness of academic supervision, awarding academic credit, appropriate compensation for faculty who supervise students, and the appropriateness of financial compensation for students participating in experiential education activities, (2) limited opportunities and the world of work, and (3) the disadvantaged student. There are 20 recommendations presented, and a bibliography is included. (TA)