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The Experiential Edge

The Experiential Edge

By: Trevor Finch
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Teaching business is complex. Engaging students is challenging. Putting them together can sometimes feel downright impossible.

The Experiential Edge takes a practical look at experiential learning in postsecondary business education. Join host Trevor Finch as he takes teaching higher ed to the edge with captivating stories from front line educators. If you’re looking for new ideas, fresh takes, and actionable insights that you can use now, this is the podcast for you.

Trevor Finch is a communicator, presenter, and former post-secondary educator with a passion for practical pedagogy. In short: he’s been there. Now working in the experiential learning industry, he actively helps educators push boundaries within their classrooms.

© 2026
Economics
Episodes
  • Game on: How student-built board games teach strategy
    Jun 24 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, William Gaddy discusses how designing and playing board games can enhance experiential learning in business education. He shares insights on integrating game design into classroom activities to develop systems thinking, decision-making, and social awareness.

    Key topics

    • Board games as educational tools
    • Game design and systems thinking
    • Student engagement through play
    • Iterative design process in education
    • Social and ethical themes in game design


    Takeaways

    • Board games simplify complex systems, making them easier to understand.
    • Designing a game requires selecting key variables that explain the system.
    • Creating a game involves integrating design thinking and system thinking.
    • Students learn better when they create and redesign games, fostering ownership.
    • Games can reveal social issues and ethical considerations not easily discussed otherwise.


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    31 mins
  • Hidden in Plain Sight: Unlocking Campus Resources for Experiential Learning
    Jun 3 2026

    This episode explores how post-secondary instructors can leverage campus resources like makerspaces and innovation labs to create experiential learning opportunities. Guests Patrick Charlton and Matthew Jerabik share practical examples of integrating external spaces into coursework to enhance student engagement and real-world skills.


    Keywords

    experiential learning, makerspace, innovation labs, higher education, student engagement, resource collaboration, product development, campus resources, teaching strategies



    Key topics

    • Leveraging campus resources for experiential learning
    • Collaboration between faculty and innovation teams
    • Using sprint methodology for project-based activities


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Experiential Learning in Higher Ed

    01:26 Guests and Their Roles in Innovation and Education

    02:12 Patrick Charlton on Using External Resources in Class

    03:01 The Praxar Video Game Marketing Simulation

    03:18 Adding External Resources: Guest Speakers and Projects

    04:04 The Role of Collaboration and Breaking Silos

    05:34 The Innovation Space and Makerspace Overview

    06:06 Identifying Underutilized Campus Resources

    08:20 Applying Sprint Methodology to Classroom Activities

    11:02 Creating Prototypes with Laser Cutters

    12:23 Transferable Skills and Student Engagement

    13:37 The Impact of Hands-On Projects on Learning

    15:27 The Power of Real-World Prototyping

    18:35 Formalizing Experiential Activities in Curriculum

    19:02 Building a Supportive Campus Ecosystem

    21:29 Advice for Instructors to Innovate Today

    23:51 The Future of Experiential Learning in Higher Education

    24:30 Closing Remarks and Resources

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    25 mins
  • Laws of Attraction: Using Experiential Learning for Domestic Recruitment
    May 20 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of The Experiential Edge, host Trevor Finch discusses the critical topic of domestic student recruitment with professors Barb Ringelson and Ben Oliver. They explore the importance of experiential learning in attracting students, particularly in the context of changing demographics and competition in higher education. The conversation highlights innovative strategies for engaging high school students through hands-on learning experiences, the significance of feedback from both students and teachers, and the positive impact of these initiatives on recruitment efforts. The episode concludes with practical advice for educators looking to enhance their recruitment strategies and foster meaningful connections with prospective students.


    Takeaways

    • Domestic recruitment is essential for financial stability of institutions.
    • Experiential learning directly influences student enrollment.
    • Engaging high school students through simulations is effective.
    • Building relationships with high school teachers is crucial.
    • Feedback from students during simulations is immediate and valuable.
    • Positive teacher feedback enhances recruitment efforts.
    • Students appreciate hands-on learning experiences.
    • Recruitment efforts should focus on showcasing program value.
    • Instructors can benefit from understanding incoming student expectations.
    • Collaboration between programs can enhance student learning experiences.



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    26 mins
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