Experiential Learning Labs for Sustainable Development: A Case Study in Community Operational Research Education

[presentation] This work examines Experiential Learning Labs (ELLs) in Community Operational Research (COR) education to promote sustainable development-related learning outcomes beyond in-classroom learning experiences. The ELLs aim to provide an interactive, immersive, and learner-centered approach to education through hands-on learning activities linked to relevant real-world situations regarding sustainability challenges in cities and communities. Learning experiences in ELLs are based on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle to articulate concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation activities for problem solving and decision making in COR education. Moreover, from an educational perspective, ELLs contribute to constructive alignment and authentic assessment through competency-based learning experiences. The proposed working framework for executing learning experiences in ELLs is based on four key stages: problem identification, community engagement, data collection and analysis, and action planning. Hence, this study exemplifies an implemented instance, namely, the Social Lab for Sustainable Logistics (SLSL) and learning experiences at a Mexican university. Findings suggest that ELLs can help to grow students’ sustainability-related learning outcomes, engagement, and motivation in COR education. This research provides valuable insights into the key factors and challenges associated with implementing ELLs and highlights the potential of this approach for other educational contexts in Higher Education.