Trends and Issues in Higher Ed

Husky Experience


May 1, 2014

Helping students learn to think by leading discussions with peers, and with children

The ability to think critically enables UW graduates to be capable problem-solvers and thoughtful world citizens. It also helps them get jobs, a fact often lost in the ongoing debate about the relevance of a college education.1,2 In a recent national study of university faculty, ninety-nine percent of instructors agreed that the main purpose of…


Cultivating the habit of reflection

When students reflect on their academic learning and its relationship to their personal and professional goals, they gain a deeper understanding of the course material, as well as a better sense of who they are and where they’re going.1,2,3 They also gain a valuable skill. Employers want to hire people who are self-aware, who know…


Shuffling roles to improve group learning

Undergraduate students often complain about working in teams and many claim to hate group projects. However, well-structured group work can improve student engagement, deepen learning, and help students build essential skills for their professional and personal lives.1 Because workplaces are increasingly collaborative, employers look for candidates with a demonstrated ability to work well in diverse…


Teaching with open-ended inquiry

The ability to think critically enables UW graduates to be capable problem-solvers and thoughtful world citizens. It also helps them get jobs, a fact often lost in the ongoing debate about the relevance of a college education.1,2 In a recent national study of university faculty, ninety-nine percent of instructors agreed that the main purpose of…


Learning networking skills with elevator speeches

Faculty on UW campuses are partnering with career center professionals to help students link their educational experiences to their professional ambitions, and to develop leadership skills they will need in the workplace. Together, they are making explicit the link between coursework and professionally-relevant competencies so students are aware of their own abilities and can articulate…


Reflecting through short, easy-to-evaluate writing assignments

When students reflect on their academic learning and its relationship to their personal and professional goals, they gain a deeper understanding of the course material, as well as a better sense of who they are and where they’re going.1,2,3 They also gain a valuable skill. Employers want to hire people who are self-aware, who know…



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