Undergraduate political communication in action: volunteer experiences in a situated learning course

Abstract

In many college classes, students spend their time learning about the theories from the linear logic of a textbook. However, true learning occurs when these theories are integrated with hands‐on authentic experiences. Situated learning courses are designed to bridge the gap between the theoretical and the authentic. Students apply classroom material to their experiences and bring their experiences to the classroom discussion. Professors help to make connections between the two. In this paper, I present an example of a situated learning course in political communication that places students as volunteers within a local mayoral campaign.

Keywords:

• situated learning
• experiential learning
• applied learning
• political communication
• civic course