The Permeable Classroom

Authors

  • Leo R. Sandy Plymouth State College Author

Abstract

The author defines permeability as the flow of knowledge that enters and leaves the classroom through connections with the external environment. Experiential knowledge comes into his classroom through interviews, guest speakers, and panel presentations. The mechanism by which this knowledge is extended beyond the classroom is service learning, whereby students share their classroom knowledge with others in the community who may derive some benefit from it. Permeability also is inextricably linked to the identity of the teacher. The author describes four strategies to promote permeability in three of his college courses, two undergraduate and one graduate, and suggests that if courses include experiential components, students make more meaningful connections between classroom learning and the world beyond the classroom.

Published

2024-03-22