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Task Force on the Undergraduate Educational Commons

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  Summer 2004
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RECENT ACTIVITIES
Summer 2004

The Task Force kicked off its summer activities with an intensive Work Week held shortly after Commencement. During the week, the committee welcomed numerous guests. Associate Dean of Engineering Dick Yue shared perspectives from the Engineering Council on Undergraduate Education (ECUE). Dr. Lori Breslow of MIT's Teaching and Learning Lab joined the group for a discussion of recent pedagogical research at MIT and other institutions. EECS Professor Hal Abelson, instructor of 6.002X, and Professor Martin Culpepper of Mechanical Engineering, who teaches 2.000, joined Task Force members Dava Newman (16.00) and Kip Hodges (12.000) in sharing their experiences with utilizing hands-on, interactive learning in teaching their subjects.

In addition, the members spent considerable time reviewing the work of prior committees regarding the goals of an MIT education and the principles that guide the teaching of our students. Their discussion led to the formation of four working groups. These groups convened over the summer and are continuing their work this fall.

These groups are:

Scientific and Technical Knowledge
Social Responsibility, Ethics, and STS
Fundamental Modes of Analysis

Membership:

 

Diana Henderson, Chair
Paula Hammond
Heidi Nepf
Jessica Rhee
Bob Silbey

Questions to Consider:

  • This area is described as essential ways of analysis and thinking beyond the scientific methods taught within the Science Core. What are the specific additional ways of thinking we hope to target in this area?
  • To which of these should students be required to be exposed?   Which should be fostered through opportunities?
  • How does the purpose of HASS align with this category?   Is the purpose of HASS to teach students "other ways of thinking" or to give them other things to think about?
  • How do we ensure that all MIT undergrads are exposed to these areas?
  • What could be obstacles to implementing these initiatives?

 

Re-Thinking Learning at MIT

For more information about each group's membership and key questions to answer, click on the group name above.

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