From Knowledge-Seeking to Knowledge-Making: Improving Intellectual Capital in FYC Courses

Improving Intellectual Capital in FYC CoursesChristopher R. Friend (@chris_friend)

University of Central Florida

SeekingKnowledge-

Making:Knowledge-

3Problems of Capital in FYC

AccessAuthorityApplication

#1Access

PROBLEM #1: ACCESS1,603,176,817,507,980 ft²

This is big.

PROBLEM #1: ACCESS900 ft²

This is tiny.

PROBLEM #1: ACCESS0.036 ft²

This is huge.

#2Authority

PROBLEM #2: AUTHORITYThe Objective

We treat students like

raw materials.

PROBLEM #2: AUTHORITYThe Source

Where does knowledge come from?

“You are intellectually bankrupt.”

#3Application

PROBLEM #3: APPLICATIONUnknown Purpose/Audience

Tests are their ultimate goal.

PROBLEM #3: APPLICATIONTeacher Determination

Teachers are arbitrary

audiences.

PROBLEM #3: APPLICATIONAudience Outside Class

SeekingKnowledge-

Knowledge-Making

RESEARCHPrimary research manufactures intellectual capital.

Intellectual capital needs

research.

MOTIVATIONGenuine inquiry infuses research with purpose.

Inquiry motivates research.

AUDIENCEStudents bring to class access to authentic audiences.

Research needs real audiences.

Knowledge-Making

Primary research

Based on genuine inquiry

Directed toward authentic audiences

Thank you.

Credits(all images licensed under Creative Commons)

Blue marble image: NASAClassroom interior: Schplook on FlickriPhone: Florin Hatmanu on Flickr (edited with his consent)Rows of desks: bara-koukoug on FlickrBook pages: fanz on FlickrMultiple-choice: albertogp123 on FlickrPapers to grade: courtesy MicrosoftWordpress Publish button: Matt Mullenweg and Evan RothJames Webb telescope mirror from NASA Goddard Photo and Video on FlickrRunning cat from Malingering on FlickrRed chairs by Thomas Hawk on Flickr