When Case Studies Are Not Enough: Integrating Experiential Learning Into Business Curricula

Case studies are one of the most popular teaching tools used in business colleges and universities throughout the United States yet, despite the popularity of the method, case studies cannot substitute for learning that occurs from a direct, personal encounter with the phenomena being investigated. Experiential education integrates students' academic studies with opportunities for direct learning. Through experiential learning, the student must make decisions that are real rather than merely think about a situation or case. In this article, the authors make the case for mandatory experiential programs in all major areas within the business curriculum. They explore the theory behind experiential learning, explore the role of experiential programs in the business curriculum, and discuss the outcome of integrating job shadowing into the curriculum of a regional university business course.