They have increased empathy and understanding of those groups. Phil Webber, professor of German, also has long been convinced of the value of experiential learning. But the chief component of the class involves students going into various ethnic communities to meet and interact with immigrants. Peggy Fitch, assistant professor of psychology, has found that experiential learning serves to motivate students more than traditional lecture-based courses do. Once they start working with these children, they see the reward, and they want to be there.
Students have fun while engaging in their off-campus projects.