Experiential Learning

May 14, 2019 | In Classroom, Institutional, Teaching, Uncategorized

Integrating Campus Experiences for Enhanced Learning

Although the vast majority of NWC undergraduate students participate in athletics, fine arts, or other campus groups, about 23% of the student body does not participate in extra-curricular activities. This is problematic for retention, as students who are involved in co-curricular activities both at NWC (and in higher education in general) have better retention […]

May 14, 2019 | In Culture, Departmental / Program, Division, Higher Ed, Institutional, Resources

Break Down Departmental Silos

When one thinks of silos, the image is of a large cement structure; however, today’s silos are more of an image of grain bins connected by towers and catwalks between a cluster of bins. Perhaps a better way to think of this recommendation is not that we need to break down the silos, but instead […]

April 10, 2019 | In Classroom, Culture, Departmental / Program, Higher Ed, Institutional, Resources, Teaching

Increased External Learning for All Programs

NWC must continue to establish strong, enduring, and multifaceted relationships with regional businesses and organizations. These relationships can take many forms such as responding to a local educational or research need; collaborating to reinvigorate civic culture; partnering to create mutually beneficial programs; and developing experiential learning opportunities. Increasing these relationships will enhance students’ educational experience and offer needed assistance to […]

April 10, 2019 | In Culture, Higher Ed, Institutional, Policy, Resources

Creative Student “Work” Exchange

Students are seeking a lower cost option for college and parents are facing “sticker-shock” for higher education in private colleges. Higher education is facing more enrollment challenges due to costs, but if those costs could be lowered through a work exchange program then more students would be able to financially afford NWC. Furthermore, research has found […]

April 9, 2019 | In Classroom, Culture, Departmental / Program, Division, Resources, Teaching

Problem and Experience Based Learning

It was less than 25 years ago that the shift in emphasis from teaching to learning was dubbed “a new paradigm” for higher education by Barr and Tagg in Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning. Yet the paradigm shift did not merely codify a new normal. Instead, learning-centered models have served as fertile ground in the development […]