Explicitly address the affective
In biology, a precursor is a cell or tissue that gives rise to a variant, specialized, or more mature form. In chemistry, a precursor is a chemical that is transformed into another compound and precedes that compound in the synthetic pathway. In the Foundation Course, the affective classroom experiences are precursors—experiences that are the base for students to grow into academic competence and maturity. Tough’s How Children Succeedxiv points out not only the importance of character education but also the fact that non-cognitive skills can be learned. The intent of the Foundation Course is for students to build intrinsic motivation and confidence. ACE provides a liminal space—a transitional place between one state and another—where it is safe for students to try things that are unfamiliar and learn that mistakes are an inherent part of learning. The theme for the Foundation Course is “It is your choice.” This means that is it the student’s choice to come to school, to be on time, to be prepared and ready to learn, to grow and to be engaged.
I have learned that I am capable of passing and achieving my college goals if I am determined and have a good strategy. –ACE student
Foster individual growth & community
The Foundation Course is a time for students to strengthen their relationships with themselves and with others, including peers and teachers. As they do so, the students build a safety net among their peers, learning to value both similarities and differences in a closely bonded community. As the students move into the next stage of academic courses, they have friends to turn to with questions as well as a sense of the strengths and supports they have to offer others. The community becomes a virtual dormitory, with contact and support available beyond the classroom, at all hours day and night.
I’ve learned how to connect with people, I also learned that most of us come from a rough past and that now we are here to make a change in our lives. —ACE student
Experiential instruction
The experiential instruction of the Foundation Course is a pragmatic amalgam of progressive education seasoned with behaviorism. The Foundation Course is organized around learning by doing; the content is structured as a series of activities, each followed by reflection. The rhythm of each day moves between large and small group discussions, with moments of playfulness and physical movement interspersed to keep energy up. The activities move from concrete to abstract. Over time, as students gain trust in the community, activities shift from safe and impersonal to more personal.
I’ve learned that you always have a chance to better your learning. And being involved, because when I was in school, I was always one not to ask questions and that would lead to not understanding assignments. –ACE student
The educational philosophy can be described not only as experiential but as experimental. Students become pragmatic scientists, they take the ideas and skills they are learning about communication and collaboration and test them outside of the classroom. In their lives, they use their skills of observation to see how these approaches work beyond the classroom. Many find the core material relevant to their lives and this reinforces their learning and commitment.
Evidence of Effectiveness
Student Academic and Salary Outcome Studies - Longitudinal 2 year & 6 year Evaluations