Beyond the Lecture: Turn Teaching Into Learning
Using the Experiential Learning Cycle in the College Classroom

You know your subject. You know what your students need to learn.

But knowing your content and knowing how to help students actually learn it are two very different things.

And if you’re an adjunct professor who came to the classroom because of your professional expertise, chances are nobody ever sat you down and taught you how people learn.

That’s where the Experiential Learning Cycle can help.

In this month’s Adjunct Learning Lab, we’re going beyond the traditional lecture and exploring a practical approach to creating learning experiences that help students do something with what they’re learning.

You’ll learn how to move students through the Experiential Learning Cycle—from having an experience, to reflecting on it, to making sense of what they learned, to applying that learning in a new situation.

And no, this doesn’t mean completely redesigning your course or spending your weekend dreaming up elaborate classroom activities.
We’re keeping it practical.

During this Lab, you’ll learn:

  • What the Experiential Learning Cycle is and why it works
  • The four stages of the cycle and what each looks like in a college classroom
  • How to turn an ordinary lecture, discussion, case study, or assignment into a more meaningful learning experience
  • Simple ways to incorporate reflection without adding piles of work for you to grade
  • How to help students connect classroom concepts to real-world situations
  • How to use experiential learning in both face-to-face and online courses
  • Practical ideas you can take back to your classroom and use right away

This Lab is especially for you if…

You’re a college instructor who knows your field but has never had much formal training in how to teach it.
You want your students to do more than memorize information long enough to pass the exam.
You want students to participate, think, reflect, apply, and make connections.
And you want to become a stronger instructor without turning teaching into another full-time job.

Good teaching isn't about saying more. It's about creating the conditions that allow students to experience, think, connect, and apply. Come learn how.

Adjunct Learning Lab: Beyond the Lecture

Turn Teaching Into Learning: How to Use the Experiential Learning Cycle in Your College Classroom
📅 Date: September 10, 2026
🕐 Time: 10:30 AM CST (11:30 AM EST, 9:30 AM MT)
💻 Location: Online
💲 Cost: FREE
Save your seat and come ready to rethink what learning can look like in your classroom.
Save Your Seat:
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM CST (11:30 AM ET, 9:30 AM MT)
Location: Zoom



About Your Host: Dr. Melissa Oden



Dr. Melissa Oden is a Public health practitioner, adjunct professor, and founder of The Adjunct Collective. For over a decade, Dr. Oden has worked at the intersection of systems, structure, and real-world outcomes. She knows firsthand what adjunct life looks like behind the scenes—and what it takes to make it sustainable.  Her work focuses on helping adjunct professors take control of their workload, manage their time, and build smarter systems that actually work in real life.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is this live or recorded?
It’s live, and every registrant receives the replay.

Do I need to be an experienced instructor?
No. This is designed for adjuncts at any stage—from your first course to your fifteenth semester.

What if I can’t attend live?
Register anyway. You’ll get the replay.

Will this be salesy?
No. This is a teaching webinar. You’ll get real value.

Reserve Your Spot

If your current CV feels outdated, incomplete, overwhelming—or nonexistent—this lab will help you finally create a professional academic document you can feel confident sending out.
Join us for this month’s Adjunct Learning Lab and start building a CV that reflects the expertise and experience you’ve worked hard to earn.