Active and Collaborative Learning

Students learn more when they are intensely involved in their education and are asked to think about what they are learning in different settings. Collaborating with others in solving problems or mastering difficult material prepares students for the unscripted problems they will encounter daily during and after college.

The 2007 NSSE report indicated that Saint Michael's students apply their classroom learning in a variety of ways. Of the first-year students who responded to the survey, 59 percent said they frequently discuss readings or ideas from coursework outside of class. By their senior year, 61 percent of the students surveyed said they have participated in some form of practicum, internship, field experience, co-op, or clinical assignment. 

Overall, the NSSE survey uses the benchmark items listed below to establish its comparison report on active learning for each of the participating institutions. To the right is a graph depicting how the seniors surveyed at Saint Michael's compare to seniors at all NSSE schools on the following criteria:

  • Asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions
  • Made a class presentation
  • Worked with other students on projects during class
  • Worked with classmates outside of class to prepare class assignments
  • Tutored or taught other students
  • Participated in a community-based project as part of a regular course
  • Discussed ideas from your readings or classes with others outside of class (students, family members, co-workers, etc.)

Read more about the active and collaborative learning opportunities available to students at Saint Michael's on our academic enrichment page.