Syllabus
Summary
This course is created through a collaborative effort between students, the
instructor, and members of the larger "energy" and "sustainable" community.
A syllabus developed by Lawrence Technological University was provided for
evaluation and use. Additional suggestions were solicited from local
energy professionals. These materials served as valuable resources to what
has been primarily a student-driven class.
Student-Centered Approaches
The following are some qualities of the student-centered approach we used:
- Students helped define (individually and collectively) their learning objectives. They helped set the agenda. They decided what they wanted to learn about, to do, and to accomplish.
- A safe, welcoming, and "brain-friendly" was created. A relaxed atmosphere, sometimes with food, was created. We did not try to cram lots of facts and figures into the time. We allowed space and time for conversation. We often provided a "check in" time to share insights, details of extracurricular learning, and other updates and announcements.
- "Brain-friendly" also meant covering material that was meaningful, current, useful, and connected to the students' lives and careers.
A presentation describing this first term and the student-centered approach is available here.
Copy of the Syllabus and Calendar
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More Thoughts on Process,
Renewable Energy, and Sustainable Development