The Collaboratory: Interdisciplinary, Arts-based Pedagogy for Use in New and Emerging Learning Environments

One of the top concerns from many employers is that college graduates lack the “soft skills” (collaboration, team-based skills)and professionalism they require. Collaboratory students will have the opportunity to master the latest skills in their field and develop “soft skills” like creative problem-solving problem solving and communication to help them thrive over the course of their careers. The Collaboratory will provide a feet-first dive into an interdisciplinary exploration of the ways in which challenging visionary ideas, conversations and social needs move from a state of inspiration to a formulation of application to actualization.  The pedagogical core of the Collaboratory will be developed from interactions with leading thinkers from a variety of cultural and aesthetic domains(artists, musicians, philosophers and scientists). These individuals will identify the skills and tactics to be implemented in the course, allowing students to effectively transform an idea into a form of realized object, event or formula as well as communicate that idea to others in a clear, meaningful and eloquent manor. At the outset, the Collaboratory will focus upon developing the following areas: critical thinking, problem solving, active observation, intellectual investigation, time management, action methods, leadership, tolerance for change, failure, conviction, deviation, generosity, community engagement, aesthetics, entrepreneurial skills and communication.