Mindset in Motion (MIM)
Mindset in Motion (MIM) is a podcast made for university and college educators, career counselors, and leaders invested in supporting students and recent graduates with the tools and resources to thrive in their hopeful careers. Tune in to hear about the groundbreaking research, insights, and stories shaping experiential learning delivery excellence - all on one platform. MIM is brought to you by Symplicity's Mindset and hosted and produced by Director of Mindset, Bill Heinrich. Symplicity is a two-decade-long leader in technological innovation and deployment supporting higher education partners to deliver on the promise of student career readiness. Mindset connects big ideas to repeatable educational practices, guiding informed decision making, and learning experiences that support student success.
Mindset in Motion (MIM)
The Value of Early-Year High-Impact Practices in Increasing Engagement & Equity: Get Your Mind in Motion with Delaware State University’s Joseph Fees, Dr. Alexa Silver, and Erin Perchiniak
One significant challenge in post-secondary education is retaining students beyond their first year. Many high-impact practices are traditionally designed for students further along in their academic journey. In this episode, we explore Delaware State University's lab internship program, specially crafted to support and engage first- and second-year students, simultaneously increasing early-stage engagement and equity. Unlike later-stage experiential learning initiatives, this program eliminates the need for specific GPA requirements or faculty recommendations. It's intentionally structured to be completed on-campus during regular school hours, making experiential learning accessible to students in the early stages of their education, welcoming them into the lab. The program yielded highly positive results, notably boosting students' interest in pursuing their chosen majors and kindling their enthusiasm for off-campus internships and learning experiences, thus expanding their career horizons. Additionally, it strengthened the connections between faculty and students, further enhancing its overall effectiveness. With each passing semester, the program attracted more students, underlining the urgent necessity of acknowledging experiential learning as a vital component for early-year learners. Not only does it improve student retention, but it also empowers them to explore limitless possibilities beyond the classroom's confines.
*This episode is produced in partnership with Experiential Learning & Teaching in Higher Education (ELTHE) journal. It is one of five podcasts this season that highlights ELTHE authors - their research and insights.