4 answers
Brandon
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
3
Questions
Asked
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What kind of college is good for both hands-on learning in classroom learning?
I would love to find a college that would offer both hands-on learning and out-of-the-book.
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4 answers
Eric Packer
Structural engineer
72
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Brandon, we definitely need more hands-on learning and it is great that you are seeking that out. If you are interested in engineering or the sciences, including agriculture, the tech universities often have better hands-on experiences for such fields of study. But, regardless of where you go, you can find your own hands-on experiences by seeking out internships in the field in which you are interested. You could also look for part-time jobs while in school or full-time during summer breaks in related fields. The more you can immerse yourself into your field of study while in school the better you will be able to apply your education.
All the best,
Eric
All the best,
Eric
Thank you!
Brandon
Destiny Miller
Executive Assistant
1
Answer
Krum, Texas
Updated
Destiny’s Answer
Great question!
Often, it isn't necessarily the college/university but how you approach your higher education journey. There are many unique ways to own your college journey and get that hands-on experience alongside out-of-the-book learning. Some things that students don't often know are 1) that they can transfer a large number of credits over to their university of choice, 2) you can create a unique degree plan for yourself and what you are passionate about if you ask questions and work with advisors to help you be creative, 3) take advantage of online and self-paced courses that you can move through quickly so you can spend more time on the hands-on learning that you are passionate about.
Some suggestions could be as follows:
1) research colleges/universities that allow you to transfer a high number of credits. This allows you to take classes and courses that are college accredited but may not be offered at the university you plan to graduate from. For example, you can take a class from a local community college that is in person and gives you hands-on experience, then transfer those credits to the school of your choice. (always double-check the college will accept the credits!)
2) If you have a few schools you are excited about, connect with a college advisor and see if they will give you credits for your work portfolios. You can do work that you are specifically passionate about and create a portfolio that the school will accept as credits towards your degree.
3) often times, schools will give you credits for internships, one of the best hands-on learning opportunities you can get. Ask the admissions team if they offer this as an option.
Often, it isn't necessarily the college/university but how you approach your higher education journey. There are many unique ways to own your college journey and get that hands-on experience alongside out-of-the-book learning. Some things that students don't often know are 1) that they can transfer a large number of credits over to their university of choice, 2) you can create a unique degree plan for yourself and what you are passionate about if you ask questions and work with advisors to help you be creative, 3) take advantage of online and self-paced courses that you can move through quickly so you can spend more time on the hands-on learning that you are passionate about.
Some suggestions could be as follows:
1) research colleges/universities that allow you to transfer a high number of credits. This allows you to take classes and courses that are college accredited but may not be offered at the university you plan to graduate from. For example, you can take a class from a local community college that is in person and gives you hands-on experience, then transfer those credits to the school of your choice. (always double-check the college will accept the credits!)
2) If you have a few schools you are excited about, connect with a college advisor and see if they will give you credits for your work portfolios. You can do work that you are specifically passionate about and create a portfolio that the school will accept as credits towards your degree.
3) often times, schools will give you credits for internships, one of the best hands-on learning opportunities you can get. Ask the admissions team if they offer this as an option.
Your advice was so helpful!
Brandon
Nisha Goel
Hardware Engineer
2
Answers
Winchester, Massachusetts
Updated
Nisha’s Answer
Hi Brandon,
It's awesome that you're looking into schools that offer hands-on learning! Often, this depends on the degree program, but if you're interested in engineering, there's a smaller school in Massachusetts called Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). They offer various degree programs, but most notably are known for their engineering. They pride themselves in project-based learning and most classes have assignments/ projects that are hands-on and require you to work in the lab (again, depends on the major-- engineering and sciences have special labs set up specifically for hands-on labs, project work, and research). I recently graduated from there and can attest that; I also had a lot of opportunities to collaborate with other students and improve my soft skills as well. I wish you the best in your college search! :)
It's awesome that you're looking into schools that offer hands-on learning! Often, this depends on the degree program, but if you're interested in engineering, there's a smaller school in Massachusetts called Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). They offer various degree programs, but most notably are known for their engineering. They pride themselves in project-based learning and most classes have assignments/ projects that are hands-on and require you to work in the lab (again, depends on the major-- engineering and sciences have special labs set up specifically for hands-on labs, project work, and research). I recently graduated from there and can attest that; I also had a lot of opportunities to collaborate with other students and improve my soft skills as well. I wish you the best in your college search! :)
Amina Patton
Educator Partnership Manager
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Amina’s Answer
This can vary a lot depending on the major and the teaching style of the faculty. But something to look for to help you get a sense is the overall size of the college (how big is the student population) and the student to teacher ratio (how many students per class). Teachers at smaller colleges tend to be able to handle more hands on learning with their students because they don't high teacher to student ratio.
Thank you for the advice.
Brandon