Federation University model: a program-level case-based experiential learning framework linking thinking, doing and acting¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 design), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The Federation University model is a program-level teaching framework for community and human services education that integrates Kolb's four-stage experiential cycle with case-based teaching. It was developed in three phases the authors call conceptualisation, principles, and blended/online implementation, aiming to link "epistemology, ontology and praxis together into a consistent overarching teaching philosophy". The model rests on a social constructivist epistemology in which learners create "unique cognitive structures" situated in broader social context, and it structures all core and elective subjects in the Bachelor program rather than individual units.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A coherent teaching philosophy articulated at program level, not only at unit level
• Cases based on real-world scenarios relevant to fields of practice such as mental health, child and family services, disability, family violence and aged care

Constraints¶

• Developed and described for one undergraduate community and human services program at a regional Australian university; outcome evaluation had not yet been conducted at time of writing

Target Learners¶

• undergraduate community and human services students in blended and online modes

Target Learning Objectives¶

• bridging theory and praxis in professional human services practice
• critical reflection and decision-making for complex practice situations

Claims¶

• An internal program review found absence of a consistent pedagogical framework and need for active case-based materials [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Kolb Four Stage Experiential Cycle Integration
• Active Learning Framework Three Components
• Experiential Learning Theory
• Kolb's four-stage experiential learning model and its four learning style categories

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Patil, T., Hunt, M., Cooper, K., & Townsend, R. (2020). Developing a case-based experiential learning model at a program level in a regional university: Reflections on the developmental process. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 60(2). https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1267932