Bridge Experience Program January 2025 Retreat
On January 10, 2025, Bridge Cohort 4 and other participants gathered in Room 207A at Newman Library for an inspiring retreat that combined reflection, growth, and collaboration. With 31 attendees, the event featured engaging presentations, practical tools, and meaningful discussions, leaving participants energized and equipped for future challenges. Over a catered lunch provided by the Academy for Experiential Learning (AEL), attendees connected and shared insights, contributing to the retreat's overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants described the day as insightful, empowering, and a valuable opportunity to bridge their personal and professional goals with reflective practices. Below are some presentations’ highlights.
Reflections Workshop Presentation
Dr. Franca Del Signore, Associate Director of the Academy for Experiential Learning (AEL), led this thought-provoking session. She emphasized the transformative power of reflection in experiential learning, guiding participants through her modified version of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle: experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation. She Introduced tools like SWOT analyses and the "What, So What, Now What?" model to help participants analyze experiences, connect insights to broader learning goals, and develop actionable strategies.
The session also addressed common challenges such as cultural differences and the unpredictability of real-world environments. Attendees explored methods to conduct effective reflection through a live skit played by volunteer participants. Another key highlight was Ph.D. candidate and AEL Graduate Assistant, Marcel Pambo providing an intimate story telling experience of his internship experience in Dakar Senegal, illustrating the real-world impact of reflective practice.
Canvas Walkthrough Presentation
Marcel delivered a practical session for faculty, focused on strategies for preparing, assessing, and guiding student reflections effectively. Attendees learned to align reflection assignments with academic and professional outcomes, provide strength-based feedback, and foster deeper reflection. He shared grading criteria regarding student ability to (1) connect classroom learning to their Bridge experience, (2) evidence growth that occurred as a result of their experience, and (3) articulate their experience through quality writing and demonstrative writing, with the aim to support the preparation of students and enhance student engagement.
The session also emphasized culturally sensitive feedback, encouraging faculty to validate cross-cultural observations made by student, as well as recognizing student growth over time. Marcel also offered practical tools, such as guiding questions and examples of tailored feedback to help faculty support students in articulating meaningful insights and connecting experiences to broader learning contexts.
Communicating the BEP Presentation
Will Rizzo, Assistant Director of Communication for Undergraduate Education, shared tips and tools to effectively promote and communicate the Bridge Experience Program (BEP) to different audiences at Virginia Tech. The program supports key university initiatives, such as VT Advantage, as well as the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for university reaccreditation.
The presentation also highlighted how internships, global experiences, and research projects prepare students for post-graduation success, with over 70 percent of VT seniors planning to enter the workforce. The BEP integrates career-focused learning experiences into classroom learning, setting itself apart from general experiential learning with specific requirements that facilitate students achieving high-impact experiences.
In addition, the presentation offered guidance on crafting audience-specific messaging for students, faculty, advisors, and leadership. Encouraging attendees to share success stories, address challenges, and amplify the program’s impact through VT News channels, the presentation introduced resources like the Academy for Experiential Learning’s web content, branding materials, and a student story package planned for release in April.
Lastly, Will provided access to a one-page document that answers questions relating to the Bridge Experience Program to help departments strategize and communicate the program consistently.