Tyson and MC alumnus, Kyle Yoho '12, discuss the value of experiential learning.

Hey everyone!

So, in this video, I wanted to expand more upon experiential learning and some of my experiences through the History Department at Marietta College. A couple of years ago, MC introduced the Public History minor and the courses to accompany it. Currently, I have taken two courses in this field, which have turned out to be two of my favorites -- Historical Archaeology and Museum Studies. These courses are taught by professionals from their respective fields of work and offer many opportunities for applied learning. That included handling artifacts, learning excavation techniques and understanding how museums operate by visiting and talking to those who work there, to name a few. 

After reaching out to my former instructor Kyle Yoho, a Marietta College alum and adjunct professor here at the college who teaches the Museum Studies course, we had the chance to sit and talk about experiential learning. Currently, Kyle is the Education Director at the Castle in Marietta who oversees various learning camps/tours for those interested in the historic home or local history and is available for all age groups. When I took the Museum Studies course in the Spring of 2019, I gained a lot of hands-on experience that included the use of primary documents for research, field trips to museums such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Harpers Ferry, and the Civil War battlefield of Antietam. As well as tours of the Castle, Campus Martius, and the Cawley & Peoples Mortuary Museum here in Marietta. And while Marietta is rich in history and offers many options for history majors (such as myself) to engage in, it was surreal to go out and experience these other historical locations in person as well. Being able to touch, feel and see these locations has had a profound effect on how I view and interpret history. Even just being able to enjoy them with like-minded individuals such as my classmates and history professors was an experience I am truly grateful for. Had it not been for Marietta College to make these trips possible, I most likely would have never visited them.

That is why I feel it is important that other students continue to have the same chances to further immerse themselves in their favorite fields of study, to gain a better understanding of that field, and why they love it. Experiential learning offers a more robust education that will further prepare students for life after college, and perhaps, build bridges for future employment through internships and meeting employers. 

With your help, whether its donations or just your time, Marietta College can continue to offer these opportunities to its students. And as we approach Marietta College’s 6th Annual Day of Giving event this February 14th and 15th, what better time to show your love for MC by participating in various free and fundraising events?! Should you want to donate to Marietta College, the Marietta Fund is the best way to support your fellow Pioneers. The Marietta Fund is an unrestricted fund that can be used for numerous areas of need throughout campus.

For more information on the Marietta Fund and Day of Giving, please follow these links: www.marietta.edu/alumni/day-of-giving and www.marietta.edu/alumni/annual-funds. Also, if want to know more about my experience with experiential learning, reach out to me at tcr002@marietta.edu.