Uncanny encounters in experiential learning: designing residential study trips for students

A presentation from the Arts and Humanities Annual Conference 2014.

Drawing on the work of Diana Laurillard and David A. Kolb as well as earlier practitioners such as John Dewey Kurt Lewin and Jean Piaget a five day trip to Paris was designed as a ‘capstone’ to the English Literature degree at York St John University. Students were invited to apply for limited places and were expected to design and execute a small-scale research projects based on their interests. This paper will explore the design and organisation of the trip in addition to reflecting on the increased levels of student engagement and confidence.