Learning By Doing?:

Experience- and Service-Based Pedagogies in Environmental Studies

Caroline Merighi

May 2006

Experiential learning is currently a growing trend in education. Problem-based courses are sprouting up in many universities, prompting both praise and criticism. However, not much evidence exists that explores the value of this type of learning at the university level. The primary aim of this study is to characterize and evaluate the role of applied learning at Brown’s Center for Environmental Studies and to make recommendations based on these results.

Data for this project was gathered from course registration information of undergraduates of various concentrations who graduated between 1999 and 2002, as well as a survey of current Environmental Studies concentrators and alumni.

Environmental Studies students on average take far more applied learning courses than students from any other concentration at Brown included in this study, except Urban Studies which fell slightly below ES. These two departments also offer more applied service-based courses than any others at Brown.

In Environmental Studies, both males and females take similar amounts of service-learning courses, although females tend to value these courses far more highly than males. Both A.B. and Sc.B. degree students take and value similarly service-learning courses. Study abroad is a highly valued experience, but has a relatively low participation rate. Most students are satisfied with current service-learning requirements, but significant desire for more varied opportunities supported by CES.

Recommendations based on the findings of this study include CES supporting more experiential learning opportunities including internships, study abroad, summer jobs, teaching assistantships, and fieldwork with faculty. Also, the possibility of offering or requiring a problem-based course for first- and second-year students should be explored and evaluated. Additionally, CES should explore collaborations with other organizations at Brown and in the community to help implement and support these additional applied learning opportunities.