The Freshman Writing Program at Quinnipiac is organized around “constructivist” approaches to how people learn.

In this view, learning requires a dialog between what we already know and what we experience as new or different. Learning is not simply an addition to what we already know; it frequently requires a revision of models and assumptions that have organized our familiar experience of the world.

Learning requires a generosity of spirit as well as criticism; an openness to what is new as well as the rigor that follows from analytical power and precision. Learning is also highly social, requiring on-going interaction, discussion and practical experience in learning communities organized by a culture of respect, trust and integrity that makes new knowledge possible.

Through dialog between the known and the new in cooperation with other learners, people create what counts, in their community, for new knowledge. In this approach, people learn by doing.

A learning community is enriched and made powerful by promoting participation and engagement. Learners need repeated opportunities to do authentic, challenging work in a social environment that is faithful to the ideals of a professional learning community.