PHOTO: Headshots of Anne Gessler and Wanalee Romero side by side. Photos courtesy of UHCL Office of Communications. — From left to right: Anne Gessler, First-Year seminar professor and a lecturer of humanities, and Wanalee Romero, lecturer of literature and first-year experience. Photos courtesy of UHCL Office of Communications.

Why do I have to take Learning Frameworks?

By Troylon Griffin II, Editor-in-Chief Last updated Aug 19, 2021 285 0

It is a question that has plagued incoming freshmen since its inception of the class as a requirement for first-year UHCL students: “Why do I have to take Learning Frameworks?”

PSYC 1100, or Learning Frameworks, is a class designed to help students “develop the intellectual readiness that will enable them to complete their degrees successfully.”

The class was created by Wanalee Romero, lecturer of literature and first-year experience, and is meant to prepare students for the rigorous work, curricula and critical thinking that comes with being a college student.

“Our seminar focuses squarely on applied critical thinking,” Romero said. “Studies and professors tell us that this is the best way for students to succeed in university study.”

Aside from teaching students the proper critical thinking skills needed for college, Learning Frameworks also allows freshmen to become more knowledgeable of the many activities and organizations on campus. This is achieved by having the students complete a scavenger hunt that is due at the end of the semester. The scavenger hunt requires students to attend certain events around UHCL’s campus and ensure they become familiar with many of the prominent features of the school.

The students also have to read a book from the Common Reader Program, in which a book chosen by the faculty is read throughout the semester. As the students read the book, they have several assignments and discussions relating to the book, forcing them to use their critical thinking skills. This year’s book is “Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work” by Dave Isay.

PHOTO: A cover of Dave Isay's book, "Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work" that features a sky blue background with white, chalk-like lettering. It also includes three power lines with black birds sitting on them. Photo courtesy of Penguin Books. — Dave Isay’s book, “Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work” was announced as the 2019 common reader book. Photo courtesy of Penguin Books.

Since the class’ creation, teachers and students have expressed positive thoughts toward the class and its impact on the remainder of their college careers.

“Students report that they end the semester more confident and feeling more at home at UHCL,” said Anne Gessler, First-Year seminar professor and a lecturer of humanities. “The most enjoyable reports to get are the students who expected to hate the course but end the semester with PSYC 1100 as their favorite course.”

Izuh Ikpeama, biology major, stresses the importance and vitality of taking the class.

“I took the Learning Frameworks class my first semester and I really liked it,” Ikpeama said. “The scavenger hunt project really introduced me to all the offices and resources on campus and from that point on, I didn’t even hesitate to take advantage of them.”

Ikpeama felt the course helped him get involved in student organizations on campus.

“I’ve become a student leader and very involved on campus and I don’t think that would have happened if I wasn’t given all the information concerning activities on campus throughout my semester in the Learning Frameworks class,” Ikpeama said.

Ikpeama is a former peer mentor, which is a student who guides those in the Learning Frameworks class and ensures they are successful.

“I really understood the mission of the class during my first semester as a peer mentor in 2016, and I couldn’t be more honored to still be a part of the program today,” Ikpeama said.