CAMPUS: Graffiti Wall encourages experiential learning
By Amanda Aguirre
Bridge contributing writer
Published Thursday, April 24, 2025
The Graffiti Wall was a unique event that caught the eyes of passersby. It included a table with papers that offered the question, “Why is experiential learning important?”
The provided colorful Sharpies gave students a chance to write their answers. A board near the table allowed students to thumb-tack the papers showing their answers. After this, they received a unique sticker of an owl wearing a graduation hat and a shirt that reads, “TAMIU LEARN.”
Event director Cihtlalli Perez, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, pursues her doctorate in educational psychology. She said she hosted this event to gather feedback about why experiential learning is important. She liked the idea of students sharing their ideas and pinning them to the board so everyone could engage with each other’s ideas.
The letters QEP, which refers to the Quality Enhancement Plan, are featured in every part of their promotional materials and this drew curiosity. This idea came about because most students are used to learning in lectures, so the QEP goal is to encourage students with more hands-on learning.
Clarissa Moreno, Honors Program assistant, also offered information. A double major in Spanish and mathematics, as well as a master in language, literature and translation, she said this program also pairs up students with professors and is helpful for those in the Honors Program.
“Even very intelligent students need more guidance sometimes,” Moreno clarified.
Some might not believe more-intelligent students need guidance at times. With a great turnout, the event enticed students to stop by and participate. The program specifically hosts events at this time because it’s when there is more traffic.
Starting at 11 a.m., there were already about five papers on the wall.
Moreno also said they advertised the stickers because it is the main attention-grabber for students to partake. It helps students become eager to arrive early for a chance to get a sticker and engage well, overall, with the event.
The black-and-white papers allowed the Sharpie to really stand out from a distance.
There were many students at this event, like sophomore pre-nursing major Jose Martinez. He said he never saw an event like this, but it caught his attention as he rarely attends campus events.
“Because you have to apply hands-on knowledge in various settings,” Martinez wrote on a piece of paper for the wall.
As a nursing student, where hands-on experience is important, this holds true for Martinez. Lecture learning is enhanced by clinicals, which help nursing students physically apply their obtained knowledge.
He enjoyed the stickers and those were one of the reasons he wanted to attend. He added that he would recommend it to his friends.
“This is great for students who prefer learning hands-on,” he said.
The importance of students learning things hands-on includes the concept of it helping make learning easier and more understanding. Hands-on gives more insight into certain topics and the overall knowledge obtained in learning.
