Does anyone know some unique colleges in the US that are doing things differently from a pedagogical angle? I'm looking for creative curriculum structures, innovative teaching methods, or just something that's not run of the mill. Any suggestions?
Sure, several colleges in the U.S. break the mold when it comes to education. Here are a few that stand out:
1. Colorado College employs the Block Plan, where students take one class at a time for three and a half weeks, followed by a four and a half day break before the next block starts. This approach allows students to really immerse themselves in each subject.
2. At Brown University, students have an open curriculum — there are no general education or distribution requirements. This gives students the freedom to explore their academic interests without mandatory course requirements.
3. St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland and Santa Fe, New Mexico offers a Great Books curriculum. Students read and discuss the seminal works of Western civilization instead of using textbooks. There are no majors - everyone gets a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts.
4. Hampshire College allows students to design their own areas of study. Instead of receiving traditional grades, students receive narrative evaluations. Hampshire doesn't accept SAT/ACT scores for admission, focusing instead on a prospective student's portfolio and in-person interview.
5. Evergreen State College also uses a unique narrative evaluation system instead of traditional letter grades. Furthermore, students develop their own academic plans and choose their courses with faculty mentors' guidance.
6. Finally, Gallaudet University is a pioneer in the field of deaf and hard-of-hearing education. The school's programs, resources, and services are tailored towards students who are deaf or hard of hearing, providing a unique educational experience.
Just remember, these unique systems aren't for everyone. But if you're searching for innovative approaches to learning, these schools certainly break from tradition!
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