Madison Reporter

Professor Irwin Goldman in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences at UW–Madison emphasizes the importance of out-of-classroom experiences for students, stating, “I love being in the classroom with the students… but it has to be mixed in with something else.” Goldman partners with experts like Jon Greendeer and Daniel Cornelius to provide unique learning experiences such as ice fishing, exploring indigenous foodways, and tapping trees for sap, all aimed at connecting class content with the real world.

Goldman believes that these experiences lead to a new kind of connectivity to the content, as he notes, “In return, there is a new kind of connectivity [to the content], and I believe it’s because of the experiential senses that resonate in new ways.” This hands-on approach allows students to live in the moment, enhancing their understanding of the topics discussed in class.

Similarly, Professor William Brockliss, the director of the Center for Culture, History, and Environment, also emphasizes the value of beyond-the-classroom experiences in enriching students' learning. He explains, “By getting involved with beyond-the-classroom experiences, you end up with a much richer appreciation of whichever themes you may be looking at, especially in the environmental arena.”

Both professors stress the importance of stepping outside the traditional classroom setting to maximize learning opportunities. Professor Brockliss highlights the significance of new experiences in broadening horizons, stating, “Every new experience you have can broaden your horizons… you get a completely new angle on what you can do in any educational setting.”

In conclusion, the collaboration between professors and experts, along with the incorporation of out-of-classroom experiences, plays a crucial role in enhancing students' connectivity to course content and enriching their overall learning experience.