First Year Seminars in Project-Based Learning

Part of the new core curriculum at Whittier College, faculty and students in first-year seminars participate in project-based learning, or PBL. PBL offers a memorable and meaningful opportunity for faculty and students to dive into deep learning. PBL also emphasizes praxis (the unity of theory and practice), a signature hallmark feature of a Whittier education. PBL as a kind of applied and experiential learning builds and enhances multiple transferable competencies to prepare students for future courses and careers: problem-solving/critical thinking skills, creativity, interdisciplinary learning/research skills, information and digital literacy skills, teamwork / collaboration skills, communication (oral and written) skills, and more! PBL encourages, challenges, and assists students with achieving the following objectives: to critically and creatively approach a complex, challenging problem or question with real-world significance from one or more disciplinary perspectives; to collaborate in teams to research, construct, and present solutions to the complex problem through the creation of a group project; to present their group project in a culminating or concluding public-facing presentation and a PBL expo (through this virtual space); and to engage in robust writing assignments which support and accompany the project as well as introduce students to the expectation of college writing.