ACADEMICS
Personalizing academics
Fifteen years of the Dialogues and a post-pandemic mindset shape today’s learning environment.
ACADEMICS
Personalizing academics
Fifteen years of the Dialogues and a post-pandemic mindset shape today's learning environment.
In 2008, Lynn University set out to restructure the traditional college curriculum to increase a student's exposure to classic liberal arts material throughout their learning experience and to instill a common set of knowledge across all majors. The outcome was the Dialogues of Learning, now endearingly called the Dialogues.
Dr. Katrina Carter-Tellison, then chair of the Dialogues, talked to Inside Higher Ed in 2011 about the process and how faculty embraced it.
"We say we want our students to be lifelong learners. We ought to be lifelong learners, too," she said as the university's newly revamped curriculum gained national attention for challenging traditional learning assumptions. That philosophy remains today.
Just prior to the pandemic, the Dialogues went through its first major revision. The curriculum continues to provide students with critical thinking skills that employers seek in graduates. Coupled with Lynn's iPad-powered learning program and block scheduling, it also opens the door for flexibility to meet the needs of an ever-changing global society.
"A good curriculum is living, breathing and has to be nurtured to ensure it is meeting the needs of current students," Carter-Tellison, currently vice president for academic affairs, shared. "And that's something we're committed to here at Lynn—the success of our students."
Dr. Katrina Carter-Tellison recalls the ideation of the Dialogues core curriculum nearly 15 years ago.
A post-pandemic college
Already familiar with thinking differently, Lynn further challenged long-held assumptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reimagined everything from classroom schedules and course delivery methods to campus tours. As an independent institution with approximately 3,500 students from more than 100 countries, it was important to increase flexibility and reduce risk during a prolonged period of uncertainty with rapidly changing conditions.
The university developed a plan for block scheduling to minimize exposure for faculty and students and to enable administrators to implement a quick switch from in-person to remote instruction if necessary. They also sought to provide students with more options to fit their circumstances.
Block scheduling breaks up traditional 16-week semesters into four-week sessions with synchronous classes four days per week. Students can choose to focus on one course at a time or fast-track with two courses each session. They also have the option to complete the semester early, start late, take a break in the middle of the semester or stay for all four sessions.
Now, two years after the switch, the university has found that the innovation precipitated by the pandemic has the potential to become a permanent option for students.
"Based on faculty and student feedback, we have refined the block scheduling format for the future," said Carter-Tellison. "Courses, such as chemistry, calculus, and certain performance-based courses, now span two or four sessions offered in an eight- or 16-week format. As we continue to evaluate results and look ahead, we will focus on providing more instructional support to help faculty optimize their courses."
"We say we want our students to be lifelong learners. We ought to be lifelong learners, too."
Dr. Katrina Carter-Tellison, vice president for academic affairs
College personalized, the Lynn way
President Kevin M. Ross believes whole-heartedly in what the university is creating: an education that supports learners' unique needs and desires. "Make learning accessible, make it affordable and make it a great experience. Block scheduling is just one example of meeting students where they are and where they want to be," he said.
Lynn is a five-time Apple Distinguished School and has been recognized three times by U.S. News & World Report for innovation. In the stories ahead, see how faculty and staff are doing things "the Lynn way."
