Guilford College - Academics, Principled Problem Solving, and Experiential Learning

Academics, Principled Problem Solving, and Experiential Learning

Guilford states that it stresses breadth and rigor in its academic program and that, as a Quaker-founded college, it offers an educational experience that emphasizes the study of human values and the inter-relatedness of the world's knowledge and cultures. Guilford College states that, in support of its mission, its vision is to provide:

• a student-centered instruction that nurtures each individual amid an intentionally diverse community;
• a challenging academic program that fosters critical and creative thinking through the development of essential skills: analysis, inquiry, communication, consensus-building, problem-solving and leadership;
• a global perspective that values people of other cultures and the natural environment in which we all live;
• a values-rich education that explores the ethical dimension of knowledge and promotes honesty, compassion, integrity, courage and respect for the individual;
• access to work and service opportunities that forge a connection between thought and action.

Principled Problem Solving. According to Guilford College, Principled Problem Solving (PPS) is a central and unifying aspect of Guilford College's practical liberal arts educational experience. PPS challenges students to focus their abilities and experiences toward solving real-world problems under the guidance of the college's core values of community, diversity, equality, excellence, integrity, justice and stewardship. The purpose is to focus Guilford's mission in both the curricular and extracurricular life of its students towards the practical liberal arts. Guilford students learn to address problems critically, creatively, constructively, with courage and conscience. Through foundations, practice, and application, students develop practical, creative, interdisciplinary, and cross-sector critical-thinking skills.

The Center for Principled Problem Solving. The Center was established in 2007 to deepen the understanding of PPS at Guilford. This interdisciplinary, college-wide center promotes student, faculty, staff and community participation in PPS projects that put Guilford's core values to work in the world.

Guilford's Five Academic Principles. Five principles govern courses and other educational experiences at the College:

• Innovative, student-centered learning
• Challenge to engage in creative and critical thinking
• Cultural and global perspectives
• Values and the ethical dimension of knowledge
• Focus on practical application: vocation and service to the larger community

Guilford's Strategic Outcomes for Preparation: Skills, Knowledge, and Values. Guilford's stated aim is to graduate students who are “ready on day one” to contribute to their communities and to succeed at work, graduate or professional school, community service, and life in general. Strategic outcomes for students fall into four broad areas:

• cognitive (think critically, know globally)
• skills (communicate effectively, create insightfully)
• values (engage responsibly, choose diversity)
• applications (ability to learn experientially, achieve personal and career goals)

Experiential Learning. The Guilford College Strategic Long-Range Plan 2011–2016: Outcomes of a Guilford College Education states that Guilford emphasizes learning through experiences (study abroad, service-learning, internships, and undergraduate research) and integrates it as an essential component of the Guilford experience. Examples include:

• Study abroad. The opportunity to understand and appreciate diverse cultures is a part of a Guilford education. Guilford's study abroad programs take students around the globe, where they can have an active role in their host communities.
• Service. Service learning puts Guilford's core values to work in the world. For example, the Bonner Center for Community Learning provides resources, opportunities, connections and direction that encourage the integration of academics and experience, campus and community, self and service, passion and purpose.
• Internships. Guilford stresses practical experience in preparation for careers, graduate school, work, and life. The Career Development Center provides support, resources, and guidance.
• Undergraduate Research. Guilford's Undergraduate Symposium provides an opportunity to showcase the variety and quality of original work that Guilford students pursue in their classes, senior projects and theses, as well as in a range of venues outside Guilford.