Integrated Learning
Integrated Learning at Central College encompasses the sum of the individual student’s experiences – academic and co-curricular. It asks students to intentionally reflect on these experiences over time and see their own growth over time through the use of an e-portfolio. This in turn will help them tell their own story more fully.
Educational Priority: Central College graduates will have engaged in rigorous interdisciplinary study, participated in communal experiences, fostered relationships, and engaged in intentional reflection. As a result, they are educated, ethical, interculturally competent leaders committed to their local, national, and global communities.”
To develop well-being: socially; physically; emotionally; occupationally (career); intellectually; emotionally; and spiritually. A reflective understanding of self is foundational as one moves through and beyond the college experience and defines one’s involvement within future communities. This understanding of self as a whole being – spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical – guides choices and informs interactions with others. Ultimately understanding one’s self will lead to choosing behaviors that improve, not undermine, health and wellness.
To cultivate habits for life-long learning. The product, process, and patterns of knowledge acquisition are all critical to on-going, life-long learning. Through the learning process – exposure, inquiry, understanding, reflection, and integration – patterns of behavior and attitudes are developed and tested in the supportive structure of the collegiate experience.
To engage in focused intellectual pursuits in preparation for life’s work. An education in the liberal arts encompasses acquiring, constructing, integrating, and applying knowledge. Developing expertise through intently and intentionally focusing on a specific content area provides a foundation for doing purposeful and meaningful work.
To develop practical competencies in preparation for life’s work. Assuming responsibility for one’s self and one’s life includes pragmatic skills for day-to-day living. Developing technological, interpersonal, organizational, financial, and intrapersonal competencies enhances one’s ability to lead a more fulfilling and fruitful life.
To learn and foster habits of sustainability. Understanding the relationship between personal liberty, responsible human choices, resource availability, and the rights and needs of others provides greater equity now and in future generations.
To develop competencies for responsible global citizenship. Recognizing, understanding, analyzing, and assessing human dignity requires one to acknowledge and address fundamental and perceived similarities and differences. This ability is critical for successful relationships, roles, and communities in today’s world.
To comprehend, foster and exercise the power of creativity. Learning to understand and apply the creative process as well as appreciating the creative work of self and others enables one to adjust to the unexpected and thrive in a changing world.