LEARNING

GOAL: To create distinctive environments for effective teaching and learning by experimenting with and assessing methods and contexts that help students develop independent motivation to conduct inquiry, construct knowledge, develop sound judgment, and engage in self-reflection.

RATIONALE: The information age has radically altered the amount, accessibility, and packaging of information, creating new roles for faculty and staff in guiding and mentoring students. On a campus rich in possibilities for networking across disciplines and professional fields, students will encounter stimulating courses and experiences intentionally designed to enhance learning and develop competence. Students will take more responsibility for their own learning, will be able to collaborate more closely with faculty and each other, and will learn how to become life-long learners.

MEASURES: Indicators of progress in reaching this goal could address such things as

• Useful assessment results to document and monitor
• Student progress, program quality, and effectiveness of innovations
• Increased numbers of innovative courses and programs
• More carefully developed and varied
• Interdisciplinary courses, programs.
• Increased student participation in all forms of experience-based learning, such as education abroad, internships, and civic engagement opportunities
• Additional support to faculty for the development of teaching