What This Program Does
The/La Collaborative connects university experts in social sciences, humanities, and arts with teachers to enhance project-based and inquiry-focused learning. Here’s what that means in practice:
How It Works
University academics visit classrooms to support teachers who use inquiry-based and project-based learning methods. During these visits, experts help students understand why their field matters and how expert knowledge tackles real-world problems. The interactions are casual and conversational—similar to office hours rather than formal lectures.
Key Benefits
For experts: The time commitment is minimal. Academics can sign up in just a few minutes and need virtually no preparation.
For teachers: They receive ongoing support from Connection Brokers (staff who help coordinate these partnerships). Teachers identify what they need most, and experts tailor their involvement to those priorities.
For students: They gain direct exposure to real experts who can show them how academic disciplines contribute to solving societal challenges.
The Bigger Picture
The program encourages new ways of working together and sharing knowledge. It positions social sciences and humanities as essential to creating better societies – not as abstract subjects, but as practical tools for addressing the challenges people actually face.
