Experiential learning and Spanish for specific purposes
Abstract
Experiential Learning (EL), grounded in the work of Dewey (1938), implies the creation of knowledge via the transformation of experience (Kolb 1984). This type of knowledge, which results sometimes from the participation in community service-learning programs (CSL) and internships, in both local and international contexts, is crucial for the formation of future professionals in Spanish for Specific Purposes (SSP). These students will apply the linguistic and cultural knowledge acquired via EL in their communicative interactions with Spanish speakers in their work environments. This chapter will review key works in the literature in the field of EL, CSL (in both domestic and international contexts), and internships in various Spanishspeaking regions. It will explore the benefits of these experiences, the theoretical frameworks used, and the most salient themes treated by researchers in this field to date. In addition, the authors will describe the consequences of theoretical and methodological changes in this field (e.g., prioritization of the Communities standard [The National Standards Collaborative Board 2015] and of a critical approach focused on social justice). Next, this chapter will explore the implications of this research and of the results of an original survey with directors of EL programs for the teaching of CSL as a part of SSP. Finally, the authors will propose future directions that will improve the experiential learning opportunities for future academics and professionals in the field of SSP.
Publication Title
Espanol Para Fines Especificos Efe the Routledge Handbook of Spanish for Specific Purposes Ssp
Recommended Citation
Ruggiero, D., Myers, M., & Lafford, B. (2025). Experiential learning and Spanish for specific purposes. Espanol Para Fines Especificos Efe the Routledge Handbook of Spanish for Specific Purposes Ssp, 367-381. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003057604-29
