Here are some pointers in explaining our “Guided Learning” community to the parents/family of new students at summer Registration and Orientation Weekends.

One thing that makes the Berea College residence life community unique and special is an approach to student development we call Guided Learning. In its best form, Guided Learning is characterized by a mutual and genuine sharing of the work that is building community. That means that faculty, staff, and students collaborate in solving problems, engage in civil discussion to bring about change, and healthfully explore choices and consequences. This approach is in opposition to expecting that students should make the transition to college life without accompanying guidance and resources.

What does this mean for your student?

First year students arrive at Berea College with many skills and experiences that you, the parents and family members have given them.

We hope to build on those skills and experiences by providing students with an increasing amount of independence as they move towards graduation. There is a Collegium member in every first year hall to help introduce and acclimate students to the college community. Both the Collegium members and student staff members, in a very hands-on approach, help guide individual choices during that first year when “finding your niche” is so important.

Example: working through roommate conflicts rather than simply moving the two students apart immediately.

The aim is for first year students, through their interactions with each other, faculty and staff members, to gain increasing opportunities for independent thought and action.All students are given opportunities to learn and practice community skills through hall events and activities. Many upper-class students opt to live in self-governing halls where there is more freedom in personal decision-making, which is also accompanied by a greater expectation of maturity and trustworthiness.

Guided learning does not mean laissez-faire! We will, of course, intervene should your student be in danger or in the case of illegal activity like drug use or violence. In these cases where it is often too late for dialogue, direct intervention is obviously more appropriate.

Although our aim is to guide students in learning how to adapt to the Berea College way, we expect ourselves as professionals to learn from your students—each one has an important and lasting contribution to make to our community.