The Case of a Curriculum-Driven Experiential Learning Lab for Business Students

Abstract

The chapter presents the case of collaborating to create a 21st-century learning space in the College of Business at a mid-sized comprehensive university in the Midwest (U.S.). The space is an experiential learning lab, designed for collaborative, hands-on learning to develop business acumen, innovative and integrative thinking, and communication skills. The space supports key elements of a new curriculum for business students as well as a learning space for entrepreneurship classes. The combination of the learning goals, pedagogy, and physical environment give the space its distinctiveness. This case highlights guidelines applicable to other educators considering the creation or adaptation of spaces intended for creative collaboration and experiential learning. Future directions include identifying best practices for space use, improving formative and summative assessment tools, and evaluating the extent to which the unique space enhances learning.