Experiential learning (EL) has great potential to prepare students to work on interdisciplinary and global challenges across traditional boundaries, as well as support them in the development of reflective skills. In this study, we explore reflection as a central element for EL in the university wide interdisciplinary course Experts in Teamwork (EiT). Based upon 17 years of experience with the development of EiT, perspectives from the literature, and critically analyzing current practices, we describe two key findings from this ongoing exploration: the need to develop a framework for such a course and the need for training of teaching staff.
Background: Facilitation can be used to support experiential learning in higher education but can be a resource-intensive approach. One solution to compensate for this may be to educate learning assistants (LAs) as facilitators. Purpose: This article presents a facilitator education program where LAs receive facilitator training to facilitate other students’ interdisciplinary teamwork processes and explores experiences that the facilitators gain from this program and from working as a facilitator. Methodology/Approach: An analysis of the facilitator education program and a set of reflective accounts from the student facilitators led to three main findings. Findings/Conclusions: (1) The facilitator education—both useful and inadequate, (2) facilitation and the facilitator role—different and demanding, and (3) the LA's job—great, but potentially overwhelming. Implications: With limited practice, thorough training, and follow-up, LAs can be used as facilitators, and thus, contribute as experiential educators in higher education.
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