One of the most rewarding activities I have had the opportunity to be a part of during my time with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is the Real World Classroom.
Across Arkansas, the ASBTDC network facilitates experiential, collaborative learning opportunities for university students through our host institutions.
Students get the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to help local small businesses tackle “real-world” issues. With support from their instructors and ASBTDC, they team up with businesses to address a specific question or need. The ASBTDC provides resources such as market research for the projects.
In Jonesboro, the ASBTDC at Arkansas State University facilitates Real World Classroom experiences in the spring and fall. In fact, in the last 10 years, more than 500 A-State students have worked with nearly 100 area businesses and organizations.
Students get a unique chance to work alongside a small business, bringing fresh eyes to a particular business opportunity or challenge.
One example of a high-impact learning experience project is a recent collaboration with Gearhead Outfitters, Inc. This Jonesboro-based business worked with a group of Arkansas State University students from the Strategic Management MBA capstone class.
Over the course of the semester, the group developed a five-year strategic plan for Gearhead, which they presented to representatives of the company in May. The takeaway? The students gained practical experience while the business secured a working plan that it can implement and build on.
Not only can Real World Classroom help students better grasp their coursework, it can improve their critical thinking skills. Applying concepts that have already been learned to real situations helps prepare the students for real life in real time.