Experiential Learning in the Classroom: The Impact of Entrepreneurial Pitches for Global Health Pedagogy

Abstract

Traditional experiential learning techniques have been incorporated into public health curricula in the past; however, research has demonstrated the need for more applied and innovative approaches to experiential learning. We introduced an entrepreneurial pitch project where students had the opportunity to design and present technological and social innovations to an external panel of judges. We then evaluated the impact of such pitches on experiential learning by conducting semistructured, face-to-face interviews with student participants. The interview transcripts were analyzed in light of Kolb’s experiential learning theoretical framework. The results of the study indicated that the process of preparing and delivering entrepreneurial pitches was rewarding for students and enhanced their learning experience. The process provided students with concrete experiences and demonstrated elements of abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. However, the results also illustrated that the entrepreneurial pitch process could be strengthened by the addition of critical self-reflection activities. Through the results of this study, we have created a narrative on how entrepreneurial pitches might foster experiential learning in global health pedagogy and provided recommendations for course designers and instructors to consider in maximizing experiential learning for students.