Engaged Learning
The Delta College uses traditional classroom learning, but we also believe there are some lessons best learned through experience. For this reason, we require our students to embrace the unknown and engage with the world around them.
Delta College students complete two short practicums and a capstone experience. The way students complete these requirements is dependent on their major and future career goals. Some majors already have experiential learning built in to their curriculum which count towards the Delta requirements. Some examples of these are:
- Internships
- Study Abroad
- Research
- Clinicals
- Student Teaching
Students can set up customized internships in their hometowns, across the country, or around the world. You can utilize established programs such as the Disney Internship Program, Brockport’s Washington DC program, or more. Many students conduct original research with campus professors. Our experiential learning courses are intentionally flexible because we know that students’ needs differ depending on their career goals.
Typically, most Delta students complete a 90-hour internship during their first two years to satisfy the course (Experiential Learning Practicum I). Internships provide students with a better understanding of their vocational interests, experience in their field, transferrable job skills, and a possible offer of employment. By completing a smaller internship early in their college career, it ensures that students don’t waste four years preparing for a career they eventually discover isn’t for them.
Experiential Learning Practicum II is often satisfied by a second internship, a 3-credit study abroad experience, research, or an approved student leadership experience (e.g. Resident Assistant, Orientation leader, ROTC).
The Delta Capstone is 12 credits. However, these credits can be completed in increments and do not need to be earned all at once. All Delta College students submit a “Capstone Proposal” that specifies their learning objectives and provides a narrative/explanation of how their capstone experience will benefit them in their future goals. Many students satisfy the Delta Capstone through their major requirements (e.g. nursing clinicals, student teaching, business or exercise science internships). However, if a student needs three credits or wants to engage another culture, but does not have the time or resources to study abroad they can utilize the multicultural encounters course.
Multicultural Encounters
We promote the development of multicultural awareness and experience for our students. The emergence of the Internet has globalized society and the economy. Employers are now looking for employees with international experience, a global perspective, and the ability to work well with people from different cultures. The Delta Multicultural Encounters course pairs our students with international students in order to learn about their native cultures, languages, and customs.
Study Abroad
We encourage our students to travel and study abroad. If a student studies abroad for a full semester, it satisfies their full capstone requirement. If they study abroad for the winter or summer, they can count those credits towards their capstone. We work in tandem with The Center for Global Education and Engagement to assist students in finding exciting and meaningful travel opportunities.
The Delta College also offers a few trips of its own. In the past we have traveled to:
- Wroclaw, Poland.
- Alaska (twice)
- Portugal
- Spain
- France