In this module, CoSAs will become familiar with the the three strands of Cluster Learning at PSU: interdisciplinarity, open education, and project-based learning.
Participation Guide
OK, since you’re a student at PSU, you’ve probably heard about “Clusters” and/ or “Cluster Learning.” Maybe this model of learning was what interested you about PSU in the first place. Maybe you’ve heard about it but you couldn’t explain it to a stranger on the street if they asked. PSU is still working on Clusters… but the CoLab, in partnership with faculty, staff, and administration, has done a lot of work to define and spread awareness about Cluster Learning at PSU, so that’s our area of expertise. In this module, you will be introduced to the three strands of Cluster Learning:
- interdisciplinary inquiry and research
- open educational practices that remove barriers and empower students to contribute to the knowledge commons
- project-based learning that extends past the walls of the classroom
There are three videos for this module because each explores one of the three practices. It’s important for you to know about Cluster Learning because it will come up in your time in the CoLab and faculty use it as an approach to course design.
Schedule
Readings/Resources
- Mutual Humanness in Education, Roberts
- Cluster Learning Website, Plymouth State University
- The Cluster Initiative at PSU, LeBlanc
Questions
- Talk about a time when you were part of a learning community. What was the experience like? What made it possible for the learning community to grow? What were the benefits/ drawbacks?
- Where have you seen cluster learning in your classes? What was the experience like? What perspectives can you provide “on the other side” of CL?
Activities