EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FROM STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES AT A UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative survey study was to determine the stakeholders' perspectives on experiential learning at Canvas College. Experiential learning has potential benefits for students as stakeholders, and internship can be a vehicle for experiential learning. Experiential learning can involve benefits such as employability, real-world experience, calling confirmation and spiritual growth, soft skills, and immediate application of learning. Stakeholders in an internship are not limited to students. Faculty and internship leaders are also stakeholders; however, a partnership program encompasses more stakeholders, including church staff, alumni, and host university staff. The survey was researcher developed and the Cronbach’s alpha of the final instrument was α = .89. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Study stakeholders' mean perception of experimental learning was statistically significant (p < .001). The results indicate that a partnership program is an effective means of experiential learning in higher education. In addition, the data indicates spirituality, real-world experience, and calling confirmation are essential aspects to partnership program stakeholders. The present study contributes to the body of research regarding higher education internships as a means of experiential learning.