Experential Learning
I'd like to know what would be some interesting ways to give our students, from the casino industry, some experential learning. I'd like to offer, on a monthly basis, something for them to come together and see what their work requirements will be. Something to enjoy and also learn from.
HI Sergio,
Great idea to incorporate some kind of perhaps externship experience for your casino students. What about offering a required course where students have to work or do other activities in a casino prior to graduation? You'll have to let us know if casinos allow employees in training. If not there may be other ways a student can get a feel for the workplace. Maybe they will have to spend x hours in the casino and complete a workbook asking them to observe or report on certain things. Then in class have them report on their observations. Thanks, Susan
They do not allow students to work without a license in a casino, however, it is a great idea for the students to study and report employees in a casino. Thank you.
Hi Isabel
Not a problem if the students can't actually work. They can complete lots of projects by observing, reporting, and discussing their observations. Also can have them identify problems and situations in a live casino and talk about how they would handle them. So many ways to give students real work experiences so they are comfortable and confident the first day on the job. And so they are comfortable during the interview process. Thanks, Susan
Every employer needs to be vested in helping students experience the working world. This needs to start at the high school level and be available through all of higher education. This helps students to see the outcome, become vested and gain passion for a career. Education is expensive so making errors without trying may be costly.
Mark,
Experiential learning like internships, clinical work, and apprenticeships are certainly ways for the student to learn about the real world of work. We think it is very important. If a student is properly prepared for the experiential learning there are many opportunities. The student gains confidence and skills and might be offered a job by the work site. That is certainly what we are aiming for! Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Simulation may be an effective experiential learning mechanism. An on-campus lab casino, with a capstone course may provide real-world experience and combine theory with hands-on learning. My idea is borrowed from both health care and hospitality management studies. At our institution, our Nursing and Dental Hygiene students have the benefit of learning in Simulation Centers that replicate health care settings. Culinary Arts students often learn by managing and working in on-campus restaurants.
Elizabeth,
Thanks. What you show is that there are many ways for students to get hands on experience. The simulators allow students to practice over and over until they are comfortable with the skill. What is really important, in our opinion, is for all students to have real work experience in the form of clinicals, externships, and similar. They can get comfortable in the real world of work and have something to add to their resumes. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
