In an effort to push the boundaries of teaching, Oberlin College runs an 'Experimental College' that allow students to learn from administrators, townspeople, faculty and even other students. The unique organization allows students to explore non-traditional subjects while still earning credits towards their degree.
Oberlin's Experimental College is a student organization and college department that sponsors underrepresented subjects and nontraditional courses. The organization sponsors for-credit classes in unexpected subjects such as the Politics of Broadway, Dungeons and Dragons, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and even Beekeeping. As the organization's website explains, these courses allow students to learn from their peers and gives them "a chance to broaden their horizons past the typical college academic experience."
With a growing number of students learning outside of the traditional classroom setting, Oberlin's Experimental College offers a unique way to turn unexpected skills into college credits.
Student-Taught College Courses
Oberlin's Experimental College Offers Unconventional Classes
Trend Themes
1. Experimental College - The rise of experimental colleges and nontraditional courses offer a new way for students to learn and broaden their horizons.
2. Student-led Teaching - More colleges and universities may start adopting student-led teaching programs as a way to offer unconventional classes and expand learning opportunities.
3. Learning Outside the Classroom - Increasing numbers of students are seeking out ways to learn outside of the traditional classroom, leading to a rise in new learning models like the Experimental College program.
Industry Implications
1. Higher Education - The higher education industry needs to adapt and innovate in order to meet the needs of a growing number of students who seek nontraditional learning experiences.
2. Edtech - The rise of new learning models like student-led teaching and experimental colleges create opportunities for disruptive EdTech innovations.
3. Arts and Humanities - The Arts and Humanities industries could see a rise in interest and revenue as a result of new programs like Oberlin's Experimental College.