As a result of several influential experiences through two programs at North Carolina State University, the author learned and recognized the importance of experiential learning as well as the limitations of the lecture/classroom environment. She has become an advocate for experiential learning as the means for reducing the potential for miscommunication when sharing knowledge while simultaneously increasing a student's depth of intellectual development. Experiential learning theory proposes using experiences as an educational tool. This paper will focus on the most influential experiences for the author which were created by RAMP-UP (Recognizing Accelerated Math Potential in Underrepresented People), a GK-12 outreach program at North Carolina State University and the State Energy Internship Program (SEIP) in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department. The GK-12 outreach program began in 2004 with a grant from the National Science Foundation and supplemental funding from the GE Foundation. The SEIP was federally funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The educational experiences from these two programs were more beneficial to the author than just lectures and lab work.
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