College Visit and Other Stuff

Tomorrow is a day off of school for students and aides. I am an aide. September/October has been non-stop with work and then every weekend full of ministry events. Dave and I are feeling slightly whooped. We are not having fellowship this Sunday and it is a three day weekend so we are hoping to be back on top by Monday. However, opening season for elk is starting on Saturday, so Dave and the boys may be hunting this weekend.

Tomorrow Jessica and I are doing a one-day trip to Colorado Springs to visit Colorado College. It has a unique learning plan called "the block plan." I am going to try and paste something from their website in here that explains it.

Take One Class at a Time: The Block Plan The Colorado College Block Plan divides the academic year into eight three-and-a-half week segments or blocks. Students take one principal course at a time and professors teach one. How Does the Block Plan Work? Students take and professors teach one class at a time Four classes a semester, eight classes a year Same amount of course material covered as semester system A block lasts three-and-a-half weeks Benefits of the Block Plan Complete immersion in one subject No predetermined duration for class discussions Flexibility in scheduling class times and locations Extended field trips and on-site classes More hands-on, experiential learning Creative research and extended field work opportunities Visiting professors and guest lecturers are easier to schedule No cramming for four or five midterms or finals Block breaks between each block, for relaxing and rejuvenating Have you ever been in a class where a great discussion gets interrupted by a ringing bell? Are you tired of carrying a 30 lb. backpack and rushing from class to class? Not at Colorado College. At CC, the Block Plan allows you to bypass homework conflicts and overextended class agendas and experience a truly unique intellectual adventure. Because of the Block Plan, our courses have a distinct rhythm. While class schedules vary, most classes run from nine until noon each day. Classes with labs generally schedule them in the afternoon. The entire morning, every morning, is dedicated to intensive learning, and students are free to ask that last question, take the debate one step further, and continue talking well after the class period is over. The Block Plan is what makes us exceptional. The Block Plan is the ability to do more field work, ask for deeper analysis, and explore the connection between place and perspective. The Block Plan is the opportunity to study Euripides in Athens and migratory raptor owls in their natural habitat; it is a trip to Denver to visit a water sanitation plant or talk to a symphony conductor. The Block Plan is challenge and opportunity combined, and it is the heart of Colorado College. The swim coach here was my coach my sophomore year of college. She is going to meet with us tomorrow. It was planned pre-shoulder diagnosis so we are just going to follow through with the meeting. It should be a beautiful drive. Patty