Experiential Learning Resources

You have access to an array of opportunities to learn, practice, demonstrate and apply effective communication strategies. When strengthening communication skills becomes a priority, individuals and constituents will benefit greatly.

Listen & Observe

Hearing what is being said and observing nonverbal cues to prevent miscommunication, promote understanding, gather and receive feedback, and demonstrate a sense of caring about what others want to communicate.

Nonverbal Communication

Using body language, gestures, other cues, and visual aids to support the conveyance of meaning.

Summarize & Distill Information

Selecting, sorting, and combining information in order to capture and reflect on important facts, concepts, and processes leading to increased comprehension and the ability to convey information in a concise and coherent manner.

Verbal/Sign Communication

Using spoken and/or signed communication to share information with others one-on-one, in a small groups, and/or in front of a large audience in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.

Written Communication

Using written formats to share information with others in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.

Resources

Looking for ways to develop your communication skills? Check out some of the opportunities available to you below to improve and develop your communication skills.

• Leadership & Professional Development Competencies Self-Guided Learning
  (Brightspace Course)
  • Employers expect students to graduate with both career specific knowledge and well developed abilities related to such areas as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and continuous learning. This course offers self-guided learning modules to help students (1) understand employer expectations and (2) develop a strategy to meet those expectations. Each learning module focuses on a specific competency that has been identified in cooperation with employers. The competencies are also linked to the university’s embedded and foundational learning outcomes.
• The Purdue Writing Lab
  • The Writing Lab is open to all Purdue students, faculty, and staff on the West Lafayette campus. You must present your PUID card at the time of your appointment. We update the Writing Lab pages often, and we hope you check back to get the information you need.
• The Purdue Online Writing Lab
  • The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out-of-class instruction.
• Brian Lamb School of Communication
  • The Lamb School of Communication continues Purdue's strong tradition of communication scholarship, providing excellent graduate and undergraduate education while supporting the values of Brian Lamb, including a commitment to openness in communication and public affairs. In addition to these commitments, the School is committed to building bridges to the media industry and to partnering with the C-SPAN Archives which are located in Purdue's Research Park.
• Krannert School of Management - Krannert Communication Center
  • The Krannert Communication Center promotes the creation and delivery of quality and quantity experiential learning activities providing opportunities for students to practice communication, teamwork, problem solving and professionalism. The Krannert Communication Center partners with industry leaders and across Purdue's campus to enable students to participate in signature-learning opportunities outside the classroom. There are case competitions, workshops, resources, and research opportunities available on their website.
• Center for Career Opportunities and Pre-Professional Advising
  • The Center for Career Opportunities informs and empowers students and graduates using transformative career services, innovative technologies and collaborative synergies to connect with professional opportunities within Indiana, the United States and the world.
• Student Employment
  • The staff in Purdue’s Student Employment Services is here to assist you in finding part-time work to help pay for some of your college expenses. Of course, earning money is the primary reason for getting a job. But there are many more benefits when you work during college. Working 8-12 hours per week while in school actually has been shown to help academic achievement. The workplace is a great way to meet people. While on the job you'll be able to take on new responsibilities and develop practical skills like time management, problem solving and organization. You might even make professional contacts for after graduation. Plus, working looks really good on your resume!
• Careers at Purdue Dining & Culinary
  • Looking for a paycheck, real-world work experience, and a flexible schedule that fits your busy life? Purdue Dining & Culinary offers students all of these things and more, boosting your bank account while giving you valuable experience that employers are looking for after graduation.
• Student Employment at Recreation & Wellness
  • In order to work for Recreation and Wellness, visit the Student Employment website and fill out a job application. Not sure which area you are interested in? Check out the many jobs we have available at Recreation and Wellness by visiting our website.
• Purdue Course Listing
  • The catalog has a complete list of approved Purdue West Lafayette courses that may be used for meeting foundational learning outcomes.

 For specific resources, search the Experiences Database

Understanding yourself and committing to improving your skills and abilities will contribute to your awareness and personal development. Taking personal responsibility, understanding how to be resilient and having strong abilities to take initiative display that you can be relied on.

Continuous Learning

Committing to constant expansion and improvement of skills, abilities, knowledge and understanding by adopting continuous learning strategies (e.g., seeking feedback, observing others, exploring alternatives, practicing current skills, seeking training and education, etc.).

Initiative & Follow Through

Taking charge of a situation either individually to fill a need or motivating others to take action. Completing tasks without having to be followed-up with or reminded and can be relied upon and trusted to carry out commitments.

Personal Responsibility

Accepting ownership for not meeting expectations or achieving desired outcomes, receives feedback from others and is able to consider it in order to develop competencies and effectiveness.

Resiliency

Facing challenges, adversity, and major setbacks and learning from the experience, take corrective action, and rise to the next challenge.

Self-Understanding

Understanding one’s beliefs, values, culture, actions, personality, strengths, and weaknesses.

Resources

Looking for ways to improve your intrapersonal awareness & development? Check out some of the opportunities available to you below:

• Leadership & Professional Development Competencies Self-Guided Learning
  (Brightspace Course)
  • Employers expect students to graduate with both career specific knowledge and well developed abilities related to such areas as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and continuous learning. This course offers self-guided learning modules to help students (1) understand employer expectations and (2) develop a strategy to meet those expectations. Each learning module focuses on a specific competency that has been identified in cooperation with employers. The competencies are also linked to the university’s embedded and foundational learning outcomes.
• Counseling & Psychological Services - Apps and Online Digital Resources
  • Enhance your personal responsibility, resiliency, and self-understanding skills through getting involved with the resources CAPS has to offer.
• Academic Success Center - Peer Success Coaching
  • Attending an ASC workshop is a great way to jump-start the process of achieving your goals. Workshops at the ASC are designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges student’s face today, facilitated by our relatable and energetic ASC Staff and Ambassadors, an interactive and engaging way to enhance your learning skills, a low-pressure, group learning environment and typically 50 minutes but can be adjusted by request.
• Student Employment
  • The staff in Purdue’s Student Employment Services is here to assist you in finding part-time work to help pay for some of your college expenses. Of course, earning money is the primary reason for getting a job. But there are many more benefits when you work during college. Working 8-12 hours per week while in school actually has been shown to help academic achievement. The workplace is a great way to meet people. While on the job you'll be able to take on new responsibilities and develop practical skills like time management, problem solving and organization. You might even make professional contacts for after graduation. Plus, working looks really good on your resume!
• Careers at Purdue Dining & Culinary
  • Looking for a paycheck, real-world work experience, and a flexible schedule that fits your busy life? Purdue Dining & Culinary offers students all of these things and more, boosting your bank account while giving you valuable experience that employers are looking for after graduation.
• Student Employment at Recreation & Wellness
  • In order to work for Recreation and Wellness, visit the Student Employment website and fill out a job application. Not sure which area you are interested in? Check out the many jobs we have available at Recreation and Wellness on our website.
• Student Activities & Organizations
  • SAO aims to engage students in intentional co-curricular learning experiences, acts as a catalyst for personal growth and provides resources that enrich the campus community.
• Purdue Course Listing
  • The catalog has a complete list of approved Purdue West Lafayette courses that may be used for meeting foundational learning outcomes.

 For specific resources, search the Experiences Database

Essential to successful leadership, your ability to maintain appropriate and productive relationships presents your ability to understand organizational behavior. Understanding how diverse perspectives can influence groups and individuals and the importance of social responsibility will assist you with development towards being an engaged citizen in any organization, community or group you are a part of.

Organizational Behavior

Understanding how groups develop; anticipation, navigating, mitigating, and responding to behaviors of a group and the people in it to foster group development to enhance the group's efficiency and effectiveness.

Appropriate & Productive Relationships

Assessing a situation and engaging in interactions, relations, and exchanges based on what is suitable for the context and person or people involved. Cultivating connections or associations with others that contribute positively to the well-being of those involved.

Helping Others & Working Together

Understanding the importance teamwork has for the effectiveness of groups and organizations and using that understanding to foster a culture of helping others and collaboration.

Cultural Intelligence & Inclusion

Understanding how diverse perspectives, backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, experiences and/or historical dynamics can influence groups and individuals and enhance a group's effectiveness; acting to foster an environment in which people feel welcomed, valued, free to share viewpoints, contribute to a cause or task, or simply have a sense of belonging.

Service & Social Responsibility

Understanding the rights and obligations one has as a citizen in communities, nations, and the world; how cultural, social, and historical dynamic influence groups and individuals; and how engaging in responsible decision-making, ethical actions, and meaningful service enhances the welfaire of society and its members.

Resources

Looking for ways to improve your intrapersonal awareness & development? Check out some of the opportunities available to you below:

Service and Social Responsibility

• Civic Engagement and Leadership Development
  • Learn about the leadership development and community engagement programs available at Purdue and learn how to be a leader for positive change!
• Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentoring, Assessment and Research – Peace Corps Prep
  • PCP is an academic and co-curricular certificate program that assists in building the skills and insights you need to have a positive impact as a Peace Corps Volunteer or worker in areas of community transformation or humanitarian aid. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate from the Peace Corps.
• Purdue Engineering EPICS
  • EPICS is a unique program in which teams of undergraduates are designing, building, and deploying real systems to solve engineering-based problems for local community service and education organizations. EPICS was founded at Purdue University in Fall 1995 and has since spread to a diverse group of Universities in the United States and abroad, as well as to a number of k12 programs.
• Center for Advocacy, Response & Education
  • Get educated about social responsibility topics such as power-based personal violence 101, supporting a survivor, boiler up & intervene and more.
• Air Force ROTC
  • Welcome to Purdue University - Detachment 220, home of the Boilermakers. Det. 220 is comprised of nearly 200 future Air Force and Space Force leaders and boasts a scope of operations unmatched at most universities with Air Force ROTC programs. Our proud tradition of excellence in training and officer development provides cadets with vital leadership skills not found in the classroom. Each year, Purdue consistently commissions 15+ rated positions such as pilot and combat systems officer, along with a variety of other career fields. From generals to astronauts, Det 220 has forged warrior leaders that have been recognized nationally for their outstanding accomplishments.
• Army ROTC
  • Army ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It prepares you with the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition, and provide other monetary benefits. The best part of the ROTC program is that it allows you to have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate, you will be a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
• Naval ROTC
  • Welcome to the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) and the Naval Science Department of Purdue University! Challenges await you in the NROTC program. We are committed to providing the very best qualified officers for service in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. To attain this goal, we focus on academics, leadership, physical readiness and community involvement. We provide students with the skills necessary to succeed, not only as naval officers, but more importantly, as citizens of this great country.

Helping Others & Collaboration

Cultural Intelligence & Inclusion

In any role you serve in, you will face decision-making and problem-solving circumstances. The ability to generate ideas and solutions while maintaining ethical behavior is important to fulfilling your responsibilities. Having a high level of analytical reasoning and systems thinking and planning will assist you in your development towards stronger ways of thinking skills.

Decision-Making & Problem-Solving

Defines a problem or issue; identifies its potential causes; specifies a desired outcome; employs critical, practical, and creative thinking skills to generate possible solutions; and identifies and implements effective criteria for choosing amongst possible solutions.

Ethics

Understanding standards and expectations for personal and professional ethical behavior by acting in accord with an appropriate set of social norms, beliefs, and cultural values (e.g., trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship). Considers implications of actions and shows an awareness of the need to hold one’s self to a higher standard.

Idea Generation

Developing new and/or novel ideas through critical thinking and creative processes that address issues and/or lead to change.

Reflection & Analytical Reasoning

Considering the past and learning from successes and failures –own and others’ – to understand a situation, strategies used, and the impact of decisions. Employing critical, practical, and creative thinking skills within an ethical framework to connect disparate information; understanding the context of the situation from multiple perspectives; synthesizing information; being open-minded and flexible while considering multiple possible solutions.

Systems Thinking & Planning

Identifying tasks and setting deadlines to design, evaluate, and implement strategies to answer questions or achieve desired goals. Assessing a situation, organization, or network through examination of the linkages, interconnections, and/or interactions of it component parts – both internal and external – to better understand how it works, to be able to navigate through ripple effects of others’ decisions, and to make decisions that consider impact on a larger network or system.

Resources

Looking for ways to improve your ways of thinking? Check out some of the opportunities available to you below:

• Leadership & Professional Development Competencies Self-Guided Learning
  (Brightspace Course)
  • Employers expect students to graduate with both career specific knowledge and well developed abilities related to such areas as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and continuous learning. This course offers self-guided learning modules to help students (1) understand employer expectations and (2) develop a strategy to meet those expectations. Each learning module focuses on a specific competency that has been identified in cooperation with employers. The competencies are also linked to the university’s embedded and foundational learning outcomes.
• Office of Undergraduate Research
  • Discover first-hand how research contributes to the advancement of human knowledge. Experience a change of pace from formal classroom activities and gain skills applicable to both research and non-research careers. Studies show that students who engage in research are more likely to graduate, more likely to go on to graduate school, and have more successful careers after graduation.
• College of Liberal Arts Margo Katherine Wilke Undergraduate Research Internship
  • The Margo Katherine Wilke Undergraduate Research Internship Program (referred to as the Wilke Program) is a competitive program that pairs a faculty research project with a student partner. Student partners also enroll in a 1 credit seminar (SCLA 49100 Wilke Undergrad Research Internship) which introduces them to basic practices in research and assists students in creating a poster to present their research.
• Center for Career Opportunities and Pre-Professional Advising
  • The Center for Career Opportunities informs and empowers students and graduates using transformative career services, innovative technologies and collaborative synergies to connect with professional opportunities within Indiana, the United States and the world.
• Student Employment
  • The staff in Purdue’s Student Employment Services is here to assist you in finding part-time work to help pay for some of your college expenses. Of course, earning money is the primary reason for getting a job. But there are many more benefits when you work during college. Working 8-12 hours per week while in school actually has been shown to help academic achievement. The workplace is a great way to meet people. While on the job you'll be able to take on new responsibilities and develop practical skills like time management, problem solving and organization. You might even make professional contacts for after graduation. Plus, working looks really good on your resume!
• Careers at Purdue Dining & Culinary
  • Looking for a paycheck, real-world work experience, and a flexible schedule that fits your busy life? Purdue Dining & Culinary offers students all of these things and more, boosting your bank account while giving you valuable experience that employers are looking for after graduation.
• Student Employment at Recreation & Wellness
  • In order to work for Recreation and Wellness, visit the Student Employment website and fill out a job application.  Not sure which area you are interested in?  Check out the many jobs we have available at Recreation and Wellness below.
• Student Activities and Organizations
  • SAO aims to engage students in intentional co-curricular learning experiences, acts as a catalyst for personal growth and provides resources that enrich the campus community.
• Purdue Course Listing
  • The catalog has a complete list of approved Purdue West Lafayette courses that may be used for meeting foundational learning outcomes.

 For specific resources, search the Experiences Database