Nicole
At Lewis University, all classes are fairly small--under 50 student is all classes. Because of this, class participation is very commin; in fact, in most classes I participate every day. With these small class sizes teachers usually know all of their student by name. I have had many of the professors in my major multiple times and have been able to maintain relationships with them all. I am a Biology major. At Lewis, there are only about 30 Biology majors per grade, so all of my classes have the same students every year, and all of us know all professors in out major. Outside of class I am able to get in touch with my teachers easily through email, phone, or office hours whenever I have any questions. At Lewis, the education is both geared toward getting a job as well as for learning itself. Everyone is required to take general education classes which are meant to provide each stuent with a well-rounded education. But, as you proceed through your major classes, you get more involved with what you must do in order to get a job in your desired field. At Lewis, the most unique class I have taken so far was my Philosophy class--a required general education class. Instead of learning about the history of Philosophy, we instead learned how to think like a Philosopher by supporting our thoughts and beliefs rather than just blindly believing. Also, we practiced yoga as a metaphor that the connection of the body in yoga resemble the connection of a philosopher's mind in thought.
Ryan
As I previously discussed, I find that the academics at Lewis University are its most positive aspect. As a straight A student throughout high school, I hoped that Lewis would challenge me as I pursued my college career. I could not be more pleased with my results so far -- I feel that Lewis offers an exemplary education that is rigorous but also manageable. Although I still have a full year of study ahead of me, I feel that my general education courses have provided me with a solid background in a variety of fields, such as Communications and Economics. My content area courses in particular have already begun to prepare me for my future career as a high school English teacher as well through field experience programs, insightful readings, class papers, and long-term projects.
Yes, every professor I have ever had at Lewis (even those in the larger general education classes) has always known my name and had a close, friendly relationship with me. They have all been supportive and pushed me to surpass my academic potential.
My favorite class so far at Lewis has been my Adolescent Literature class. As an avid reader with a passion for literature, learning about the different genres of book available for my future students was an excellent experience for me. My teacher had a motivating enthusiasm for class as well and helped us learn more about the benefits of reading (and helping others to read) as well. Although I have not really had a class I overtly disliked, the only class I would say would be my least favorite was College Writing. As a relatively skilled writer from high school, I thought some of the writing strategies I learned were tedious. However, I came to recognize that for new writers the class was likely a great benefit.
In my experience, students often study one to two hours per day. Of course, this time of study and homework is dependent upon the time of year. In the beginning of the semester, students may spend far less than even an hour on studying, and likely no more than a couple on homework. Toward the end of the semester with finals, however, the library is open 24 hours a day, and students can be seen studying constantly.
Yes, class participation is very common. Again, a majority of the students at Lewis have come of their own accord to succeed in life, and are thus willing to take an active learning role in their education. Students often volunteer in class to make the most of the teaching and fully internalize the lessons and concepts being instructed.
Although some students discuss intellectually outside of class, much of my experience is less academic and more social. Lewis University has a very social feel to it, and students can often be seen conversing about a certain class, but very well can be talking about their anticipations for the weekend or a movie they saw recently.
Students are not very competitive, in my opinion. While most students want to do well, there is not a sense of students trying to outdo one another -- everyone tends to be focused on their own goals, and will actually work to help their peers in the process.
The most unique class I've taken so far is my Introduction to Philosophy course. My teacher has introduced us to yoga, and we have spent an entire couple weeks relating the meditative power of yoga to the reflective study of philosophy. It has been abstract and different, but a wonderful refreshment and new learning experience.
I can honestly say I love my major department -- both English and Education. All of my professors (including my two joint advisers) have been supportive and interesting. I feel that my English people encourages students to think creatively and write in a manner that can reach a variety of audiences, from academic writing to persuasive rhetoric. My education field, on the other hand, focuses on inculcating teachers with a sense of promoting cultural diversity in the classroom and differentiated instruction to cultivate learning in each and every student.
No, I have not spent very much time with professors outside of class, although I have met with a couple for questions on homework or in scheduled meetings to discuss a written essay.
I feel that Lewis' academic requirements are certainly on standard with other leading schools in the United States. Although the curriculum is challenging, it again offers the resources students require to succeed and is demanding but manageable.
I believe that the education at Lewis is equally geared toward finding a job and learning for learning's sake. While much of what we learn is focused on the content, teachers will often demonstrate how the lessons taught can be applied to a real-life context. Events such as job fairs and helpful emails informing students of career opportunities or internships help create this balance between learning and future occupations.