Practice-Based Learning in CASL

Applying learning, learning by doing, working closely with classmates, being guided by faculty on projects; working on projects that allow you to tackle real problems; learning to communicate what you are learning to potential employers, or admissions committees.

Our goal - to develop skills that will help you succeed in the workplace, such as:

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Analyzing and Quantitative Data
• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Cultural Competency
• Decision Making
• Global Awareness
• Leadership
• Planning and Organization
• Problem Solving
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Writing

Where do I find PBL in the Course Catalog?

PBL is incorporated into a large number of CASL courses. Some of these courses include projects, assignments, or activities that focus on applying or practicing key concepts. Others focus on skill building (internships, research experience, study abroad), while still others emphasize understanding,studying, or working in Dearborn and Detroit, or taking a global perspective to real world problems.

You will see these designations in the course schedule.

• PBL Fundamental: These courses will typically include smaller course assignments to provide students with practice in applying key PBL concepts. They will focus on problem-solving and decision-making skills, and the application of knowledge to concrete scenarios, issues, or problems.
• PBL Process: These courses will typically include a project that builds throughout the semester. Students will work with their classmates to apply course concepts to community, industry, government, and societal problems.
• PBL Engage:These courses will typically include doing some work outside the classroom, engaging with local neighborhoods, nonprofit organizations, businesses, or local government.

Is PBL required?

• PBL is not a requirement. It is an approach that you will find in many CASL courses so that you will be getting some PBL in your courses without even trying. However, we are working to provide you with a PBL designation in the course schedule so that you know what to expect in a course before enrolling in it.

How Will PBL Help me?

As you work on course projects and apply core concepts you will gain experience and skills (e.g.,critical thinking, problem-solving, team functioning, demonstrating initiative) that will be useful both personally and professionally well beyond your college years. In addition, working closely with faculty and other students may enhance your feelings of shared purpose and belonging. Furthermore ,PBL will provide you with a rich source of material to use in resumes, cover letters, interviews, and graduate and professional school essays.

At this level you will have the opportunity to develop basic problem-solving and decision-making skills. These courses will typically include smaller course assignments to provide you with practice in applying key concepts.

At this level you will have the opportunity to work with your classmates to apply course concepts to problems. These courses will typically include a project that builds throughout the semester.

At this level you will have the opportunity to engage with those outside of the campus community. These courses will typically include doing some work off campus, engaging with local neighborhoods, nonprofit organizations, business owners, or local government.

This project will analyze prison policies and practices, and apply feminist and criminological theories to the modern prison system. Working in teams, students will critique and reimagine incarceration, as well as the systems of (in)justice, drawing upon transformative harm reduction, peacemaking criminology, and restorative justice models. Projects will vary each semester, ranging from the creation of digital and media content to live events and performances. Faculty from History and Criminology & Criminal Justice will teach this course. (Capstone Course)