HECUA:Teaching_Learning

HECUA -- Teaching-Learning Approach

OUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Issues of social justice can be discussed in a classroom. The lessons are more powerful, however, when they are put into practice. HECUA learning is transformational. Our teaching philosophy takes students and faculty into the community to learn from practitioners of social change. The result is informed and engaged student citizens.

Our methods include seminars, field research and opportunities for substantive internships and fellowships. Guides are teams of local teachers including Ph.D. faculty members. These teaching teams serve as mentors, advisors, co-learners and connections to the community. Academic seminars are integrated with internships or field studies in programs that allow students to put classroom theories into practice. Equally important, students critically challenge classroom theories based on their community experience.

As campuses look for expanded curricula with community-based and experiential learning options, HECUA meets these needs with innovative programming. Since 1971, our interdisciplinary approach has taught social reality and social responsibility. As HECUA grows, we continue to focus on pressing issues in both semester and short-term programs.

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING
HECUA programs serve students and expand member campus curricula. In addition, HECUA custom-designs programs to meet the specific needs of a single campus community. All programs offer hands-on learning combined with readings and seminars that clearly meet standards for credit. Continued innovations at our sites demonstrate our commitment to assuring programming relevant to students, campuses and the community.

RELATED DOCUMENTS:

HECUA'S PEDAGOGY (web version)

HECUA's PEDAGOGY (pdf download - 720kb)

HECUA RESOURCES

PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

STAFF

COMMITTEES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

MEMBERS BENEFITS PRESENTATION

TEACHING LEARNING APPROACH

PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE - Member | Student| Partner

ALUMNI REFLECTIONS

PHOTO GALLERIES

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

"HECUA provided me with the tools to reflect critically… this reflection turned a 'good experience' into the most valuable learning experience I've had.."

HECUA gives students the chance to bridge their academic learning with direct experience of the urgent social challenges facing our society. It takes students deep into urban communities to test academic theories in the real world. Students develop critical analysis and hands-on skills for creating social change.

Programs require all students to actively participate in their own learning and contribute to the learning of the whole group. Students meet frequently for group seminars and discussions and also complete an independent or group study project.