At FLC, we connect big ideas to real world experiences! We are dedicated to inspiring students through active learning—whether that be by collecting specimens in our surrounding mountains, creating an exhibition in our gallery spaces, testing reactions in our laboratories, or teaching children in local elementary school classroom. Our FLC Strategic Plan emphasizes “knowledge in action” as our signature approach to learning, explaining that we develop students’ abilities to deeply engage with the most critical scientific and social issues of the future. And, our Academic Circle emphasizes that we take students’ studies beyond the books and into the real world classroom of Southwest Colorado.
In order to teach active learning, our faculty active innovators! Our faculty are pedagogy experts, bringing the newest forms for student-centered learning to FLC. Throughout our Academic Affairs website, you will see reference to many forms of learning, including:
FLC implements forms of teaching and learning that have been designated as “high impact practices.” Research demonstrates that courses that employ high impact practices have significant learning benefits for students, especially underserved students. The American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) provides guidance on high impact practices. FLC’s curriculum incorporates a wide range of high impact practices, including: