Assessing Experiential Learning With a Critical Lens

While previous studies in sport management have focused on the positive impacts of experiential learning, few have highlighted the difficulties or negative occurrences in an experiential learning-based course. Thus, the purpose of this study was to critically assess an experiential learning class in an effort to highlight strategies to enhance future classroom efforts. Three overarching themes emerged from the data that were deemed influential to student perceptions of the class: course structure, student investment, and classroom environment. Within each of these themes, the authors highlight the positive and negative experiences of students. Finally, they highlight strategies aimed to increase effectiveness and minimize negative outcomes in an experiential classroom setting.