Experiential Learning Continuum for Students

This tool outlines the various experiential learning activities available to MMSD students throughout the year. Activities in each row increase in the intensity of involvement on the business partner, student, and educator end.

Awareness

Low Intensity

These activities bring awareness to the various careers available and specific training and/or skills needed. These are typically one-time activities and are delivered to groups of students

Guest Speaker
30 - 60 minutes per class
A guest visit to the classroom to discuss a job, business, or industry; their personal journey; job duties and responsibilities; skills/ knowledge needed for industry

Site Visit
1 - 2 hours
Tour a company's facilities and operations to learn about careers, what a typical day looks like, student job opportunities, or a curricular connection to a topic

Post-Secondary
Tour
1 - 2 hours
Tour a specific post-secondary institution to learn about academics, campus and student life, and programs offered

Career Fair
2 - 4 Hours
Attend this to network with multiple professionals to discuss career information, required education, roles & responsibilities, and offer advice

Post-Secondary Fair
2 - 4 hours
Learn about many post-secondary institutions at once and learn about campus & student life. Obtain answers to general questions

Exploration

Medium Intensity

These activities help students build upon the career knowledge they have gathered during the awareness phase. Exploration activities help students deepen their understanding of the workplace

Job Shadow
2 - 8 hours
Observe, discuss, and participate in the daily routine and activities of a specific job

Information Interview
1 -2 hours
Get questions answered in person, via email or phone, or in a group about a profession or a specific topic

Industry Integrated Project
Hours vary
Participate in a learning activity designed by educators and industry professionals. Receive feedback on work from adult professionals

Preparation

High Intensity

Supports students as they dive deeper into their career interests, through on-the-job skills building through various avenues. These are typically paid, and involve dedicated mentors and support staff to work with student throughout duration of experience

Work Based Learning
45+ hours
Receive employability skill training for pay and elective credit in a work setting

Internship
90 hours
Participate in paid experiential learning integrating knowledge and theory from the classroom with practical application and skills development in a work setting

Clinical Experience
4+ hours
Perform tasks in a supervised, authentic setting

Youth Apprenticeship
450 -900 hours
Juniors and Seniors participate in on-the-job training guided by statewide apprenticeship curriculum guidelines

Questions? Contact Annie Johnston, Experiential Learning Coordinator ajohnston2@madison.k12.wi.us

Adapted from Inspire Madison Region Continuum of Experiential Learning for Students

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