Residence hall classrooms a part of learning experience

Outside Sanford Hall a sign reads “learning, living community,” an appropriate message for a building that is more than just a place for students to sleep. It is also where some students go to learn.

In addition to lodging space, some residence halls have classrooms. The classes held in the residence halls are primarily for freshman and sophomore students.

Dr. Dan Bauer, assistant professor of English, has taught classes in the residence halls during his three years at GC&SU.

“It is symbolic to teach in that environment because it’s important as a teacher to harmonize disciplines with each other,” Bauer said. “And moving into a neutral turf makes that goal possible not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well.”

Dr. Beth Rushing, dean of the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, said there are reasons for classes to be held in residence halls.

“Certain class time slots get very full,” Rushing said. “Sometimes residence hall classrooms are just convenient for the faculty member, or maybe that particular class is part of the living, learning experience.”

Rushing said teachers are usually given a choice as to whether they want to teach in residence halls or not.

The residence hall classrooms have the essential equipment of a regular classroom such a white board and internet access.

Bauer, who is also the coordinator of the First Year Writing Program at GC&SU, taught English 1101 in Parkhurst Hall last semester.

“I think it is important to educate students in multiple venues,” Bauer said.

Bauer said the Residence Life staff has solved any concerns he has had with the classrooms.

Sophomore psychology major Erik Gotrich took philosophy in Napier Hall last semester.

“I didn’t mind having a class in a residence hall except for the fact that I was five to 10 minutes late everyday because it’s so far from front campus, and I only had less than 10 minutes between classes,” Gotrich said.

Students that live in the same residence hall where they have class said they find the set up convenient. They can roll out of bed and go right to class.

Bauer said students that have class in the same residence hall they live in appear to exhibit more concern for each other.

“I have the best job in the world, but to teach I need to adapt to multiple environments,” Bauer said. “It’s an interesting experiment as a professional to explore how we can best meet, educate and enable our students.”

A student’s job is to learn regardless of location, Bauer said.
Having classes in residence halls seems to be something that will continue to stick around.

“I would like to see residence hall classes continue unless there was some evidence that it was not a good experience,” Rushing said.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Jan 27 2006. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry