Experiential learning and project-based learning can be incorporated in myriad courses to encourage community engagement, civic learning and democratic participation. Based on my EL courses focused on Election 2020, this session will encourage participants to incorporate active learning strategies into their summer or fall courses to promote active student engagement with the election. Participants will brainstorm possible partnerships, activities and ideas to implement in their own classroom.

1. Election 2020, Experiential
Learning & You
Amy Kristin Sanders, University of Texas at Austin

2. Why Election 2020?
• For many of our students, the 2020 Election will be the first
election in which they may be eligible to vote.
• Election 2020 is high-profile because it’s a presidential election
cycle, so it presents an opportunity for students to learn the
importance and value of democratic participation.
• Universities have an educational obligation to facilitate learning
about civic issues, including helping students understand the roles
and responsibilities of being a voter.
• Discussion of civic responsibility shouldn’t be confined merely to
political science or government classes. Students should be
learning about and debating important national and local issues
across the curriculum.

3. Why Experiential Learning?
• “Learning by Doing” accelerates learning and helps
students bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• Produces demonstrable changes in student mindset
because students see how their learning impacts their
everyday lives.
• Increases student engagement with material and aids
in long-term retention of knowledge.
• Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving
skills to encourage students to facilitate future learning.
• Provides tools needed to engage in life-long learning.

4. Why You?
• Experiential learning activities related to Election 2020 abound, from
registering people to vote to social media coverage of issues.
• Brainstorm ways to incorporate experiential learning and project-
based learning activities into your classes, regardless of topic.
• Think about opportunities to connect with community partners and
move your students’ learning beyond the classroom.
• Connect your students to the issues in their local communities while
teaching them the value of civic engagement and democratic
participation.
• Foster stronger relationships between your university and the
community in which it’s located through public service.

5. Please Cast Your Ballot for
Election 2020, Experiential Learning & You
using the SXSW EDU Panel Picker