By Dondwani Baines
Published on November 21, 2007
In 2004, PJC revised its philosophy and strategic goals statements to emphasize a commitment to learning-centered instruction. Todd Neuman, learning centered college coordinator, said, “A Learning Centered College measures success by measuring and assessing the amount of learning that is occurring.”
PJC is putting this emphasis on student learning into action in every aspect of the college. Students, teachers, advisors and even janitors are all partners in learning.
Faculty across campus are implementing or continuing to use learning-centered activities. For example, many teachers encourage students to do peer-to-peer mentoring or project based learning in their classes. In addition, students engaging in conversation about learning are demonstrating the learning-centered philosophy.
Shifting resources to focus on learning is key to successful implementation of the learning-centered approach. This shift may include teachers encouraging students to use computers, calculators, or different resources in doing homework or research. Other faculty members use field trips to enhance the students’ learning experience.
A major benefit to being a learning-centered college is the variety of teaching styles used across campus, from lectures to “courses that effectively use active and collaborative learning,” Neuman said.
Several activities outside the classroom also demonstrate the growth of a Learning Centered College. For example, on All College Day, the college shuts down for one day while faculty and staff engage in celebration of successes and training in new approaches. Educational research and mentoring programs also highlight the learning-centered focus at PJC.
James Brady, district academic department head of biological sciences, described a college theme that he hopes will extend from the classroom into the community. This theme is Bioethics: Science and Human Values.
“Bioethics is a study of the impact of recent technological changes in the fields of biology and medicine that have created challenges to humans for which there are no accepted societal norms,” Brady said. The college has been offering Ethical Issues in Biology since 2000.