Active and Integrated Learning

Cascadia’s approach to teaching is based on research that shows how students really learn. We recognize that learning goes far beyond the boundaries of the traditional lecture paradigm. In addition to highlighting group projects and hands-on assignments in all of our courses, we are committed to pioneering innovative models that reflect the depth and complexity of subject matters.

Integrated Learning Requirement

Students completing the Associate in Integrated Studies (AIS) degree must include an Integrated Learning Experience in their course selections. This requirement can be satisfied through the completion of learning communities, linked classes, classes containing formal community-based learning, classes taken as part of an academic study abroad program, or classes with an academic internship. Through Learning Communities (LC) or other Integrated Learning Experiences (IL), students demonstrate their ability to integrate skills, concepts, information, and analytical and methodical frameworks from two or more areas of inquiry in a purposeful project or experience.

What It Is

Integrated Learning is the connection of disciplinary and interdisciplinary ideas to complex contexts, the building of knowledge across the curriculum and co-curriculum, and the application of this education to situations on and off campus. At Cascadia, this might be:

  • Learning Communities
  • Hard-linked courses
  • Soft-linked courses
  • CBL courses (Community-based Learning)
  • Study Abroad
  • COILed courses
  • Internships
  • Interdisciplinary projects

Learning Definitions

Learning Communities

A learning community is a pairing of courses that is team-taught by two instructors from different disciplines that allows students to develop skills and discover connections on multiple levels and across subject areas.

Hard Linked Courses

A combination between a cohort and a learning community. The same students take one course from one instructor and then a second course from a different instructor. The two instructors develop assignments that help students make connections between the two disciplines.

Soft Linked Courses

Two courses tackling different subject matters. Students enrolled in one course interact on specific assignments with students enrolled in the other course and see how the two disciplines relate.

Simultaneous Soft Linked Courses

Two distinct classes held simultaneously that interact with one another on occasion.