Email This StoryELGs widen scope in fall
April 2, 2009
By Ashleigh Schmitz
Reporter
With a mix of new and returning Engaged Learning Groups all being housed in Kokernot Residence Hall for incoming freshmen, ELGs will take on a new identity for fall 2009.
The 2009-2010 academic year will be the third year for ELGs at Baylor.
Women in America and the Science of Society are the newest ELGs that will be joining Energy and Society for the fall. Campus Living and Learning is able to set up five ELGs for the fall because of a grant the Energy and Society ELG received that will fund most of that program's expenses.
All of the ELGs are four-semester programs. During each semester, students receive a credit for a one-hour course that equals a three-hour credit course at the end of the two years. Each ELG gives credit for a different three-hour course, while students are living in an environment that lets them work together and develop relationships beyond the classroom.
"This round represents the greatest number and widest spectrum of choices that we've ever offered," Rishi Sriram, assistant dean for Student Learning and Engagement, said. "I'm really excited about how these different topics are going to engage our first-year students."
The main purpose for ELGs is to "engage students both academically and co-curricularly above and beyond the traditional student experience," Sriram said.
In the fall, Kokernot will house 40 students per ELG. Since Kokernot houses both men and women, it lets all of the ELG students live in one residence hall and allows the faculty partners to more easily meet with all of the students, rather than juggling multiple residence halls. Kokernot also offers a room for the students and faculty partners to meet and discuss topics surrrounding their ELG.
"[Being in Kokernot] will improve the dynamic of the class, as well as between students and faculty," Dr. Julie Sweet, associate professor in the history department and faculty director of the Women in America ELG, said. "It's important to use that facility because you're on the student's turf. I just know that you have better conversations and relationships when you're in a more comfortable environment."
The Science of Society ELG will help students gain "a unique perspective on their lives, the lives of those who came before them, and the lives of those who will follow them," according to the Science of Society ELG Web site. Dr. Charles Tolbert, chairman of the sociology department, will be the faculty director for this ELG.
The Women in America ELG offers the credit for one of the social-science courses required by Baylor.
"It's a unique way to teach history," Sweet said. "It will be a challenge, but one I'm looking forward to."
ELGs offer more than just credit for a class. Field-trip opportunities and the chance to give back to the community through service make these programs appealing to students.
"We wish to introduce students to ways in which they can incorporate their faith commitment and their disciplines to help the world mission of the church," said Dr. William Jordan, chairman of the mechanical engineering and computer science department and faculty director for the Global Poverty ELG .
The new Women in America ELG will take trips to the Texas Legislature in order to meet with female representatives to get their perspective on leadership. In addition to field trips, Sweet also plans for several speakers to address the students in the ELG who will be focusing on women in history as well as women in leadership to realize the bigger picture of women's place in society.
"I have no idea what I'm getting into but, I'm looking forward to leaping off that cliff. It's going to be an adventure for all of us, that's for sure," Sweet said.
The Energy and Society and Hispanic Families in America ELGs are returning for a second go-around. The Hispanic Families in America ELG will be improved for the next set of incoming freshmen.
The Hispanic Families in America ELG is run by Dr. Randy Wood, professor and director for center for Christian education; Dr. Mona Choucair, lecturer for the English department; and Dr. Doug Rogers, associate dean for student information and service. Wood said that for fall 2009, each faculty partner for the program will teach a contiguous portion of the course rather than rotating, an approach that caught the students off guard and, for freshman, made the course more stressful.
"We had some [students] say this is the most work they've done for a one-hour class. Others say it has been a lot of work but that it's the most rewarding thing they've been a part of," Wood said. "We're trying to do a better job to help students see the good, the bad and the ugly before they sign up."
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