Motivation? The Effects of High-Impact Experiential Learning Activities on Political Science Students

Abstract

This research examines whether high-impact experiential learning activities in politics motivate students positively in learning, personal development and establishing career goals? Using participant observations and student journals recorded during their participation in the Osgood Center for International Studies 2017 Presidential Inauguration Seminar and the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminar’s 2016 Democratic and Republican Convention seminars, this research identifies specific outcomes related to the impact of such experiential learning opportunities on students of political science.

Keywords: motivation, experiential learning, transformational opportunities, high-impact learning activities, the Washington Center, the Osgood Center