Creatively Bridging The General Education Program Curriculum

Presenter Information

Andrea Scott, University of Central Florida
Joshua Colwell, University of Central Florida

Presentation Type

Presentation

Location

Student Life Center 2100

Start Date

10-3-2019 1:35 PM

End Date

10-3-2019 2:00 PM

Abstract

In this session we will share creative ideas to connect seemingly unrelated GEP courses to encourage students to think critically about their college education.

Description

In this session we will present the design and implementation of an initiative we piloted in Spring 2019. Physics and Communication are not always seen has having much overlap, particularly among GEP students. In an effort to help students see overlaps in our GEP we endeavored to create a joint assignment for our students. Colwell (Physics) assigned his students a brief essay to explain a technical topic (solar and wind energy) for a technical audience as well as a second brief essay for a non-technical audience. Scott’s technical public speaking students then blindly evaluated a selection of physics essays. They offered feedback on the success of presenting the information in a non-technical format, along with suggestions for improvement. In both classes students were instructed how to write technical pieces as well as how to break down technical information for non-techncial audiences with appropriate emphasis placed in each respective class. We will explain the process and outcomes, share examples from our pilot, and encourage creative thinking for other courses that could be bridged. Making these connections helps students to think more critically about seemingly incongruous courses and thus take an active role in assimilating courses in their college career. Participants can begin discussing various topics that may blend well in efforts for students to begin to see their education as a whole instead of a series of separate, unrelated topics.