Franklin prides itself that experiential learning is a hallmark of its pedagogy. Features such as Academic Travel, the entire First-Year Seminar experience, Senior Year capstone, or the various writing requirements all emphasize learning through experience. This reflects not just Franklin’s mission statement, but also current directions of pedagogy. The idea is that all of this simulates hands-on learning, which places the responsibility for learning jointly on the shoulders of both students and teachers.
However, many people would prefer teaching in a more clear and objective format, with a stronger emphasis on ‘facts.’ With the discussions of ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’ in the air, the necessity of clarity has become a concern. Perhaps the interpretive nature of experiential learning leaves too much up for grabs? While these approaches reflect legitimate takes on learning, they are based on different philosophies with different objectives.
The question is: how do we see the nature of learning? Is it necessarily only one or the other?
Join the Honors Society for this Learned Conversation on Friday, September 24, at 5 p.m. in the LAC Conference room – masks required – or via zoom.
Learn more about the Honors Program in this article and get in touch with the Director of the Honors Program, Professor Marcus Pyka.