Opportunity Center

Teaching and Learning Values

The Teaching and Learning Values are listed below with examples of actions that demonstrate the presence of each value. They are a shared responsibility at the college and will be considered in decision and policy-making arenas. We will encourage and promote these values in college programs, courses, services and activities.

We are a college that . . .

Creates a learning climate of mutual respect and fairness.

• Creates open and equal interactions.
• Encourages and seeks to understand varying points of view and learning differences.
• Models and applies standards and expectations equitably.
• Models inclusion.

Encourages creative and critical thinking.

• Creates low-risk learning environments.
• Supports the identification of problems and the creation of solutions.
• Uses questioning strategies that encourage creative and critical thinking.
• Encourages the expression of underlying thinking.
• Incorporates problem-solving processes.
• Incorporates approaches that encourage multiple styles of thinking.

Actively engages individuals in the learning process.

• Uses hands-on, real life applications.
• Uses structured, purposeful small group activities.
• Involves participants in planning activities and leading discussions.
• Uses a menu of approaches and activities for a variety of learning styles.
• Provides opportunities for feedback and evaluation.
• Models use of technology as a communication and learning tool.

Facilitates learning that applies to and enriches lives.

• Makes connections from theory to real life applications.
• Uses current and real life experiences and activities.
• Solicits learning illustrations and applications.
• Encourages the application of learning.
• Incorporates student life experiences.

Clarifies expectations and encourages student responsibility for learning.

• Clarifies expectations and outcomes in a variety of ways.
• Sets high expectations.
• Holds individuals accountable.
• Models responsible behavior.
• Gives clear directions and instructions.
• Gives frequent, timely feedback.
• Models diversity, honesty and fairness in interactions.

Promotes learning as a lifelong process.

• Models lifelong learning.
• Shows enthusiasm and joy for learning and teaching.
• Provides avenues and encouragement for future learning.
• Considers long-term as well as short-term goals.
• Shares personal learning experiences and new developments in the field.
• Connects with partners in the workplace and in the community.

Originally Adopted in 1998
Revised and Reaffirmed in 2004

Updated February 2007 by the College Advancement Department.