Mind Field Proposal

Do you have a teaching & learning activity that just does not seem to fit within traditional frameworks?  Are you interested in trying something new? Are you attracted to breakout rooms, crucibles or immersive experiences?

Create a MIND FIELD!

Applying is straightforward. SUBMIT HERE, through Google Docs by answering a few questions. Funding of up to $1000 is available to support creation of the Mind Field.             

  • Proposal application due by March 1

  • Notification by April 1

  • Must be completed the same year by Dec 1st

Please be mindful of the required and desired elements outlined below.

The RIT Fram Chair seeks proposals that increase student competency in Applied Critical Thinking. Specifically, we are seeking to fund scalable pedagogical methodologies that support an initiative called the Mind Field. Mind Fields are fun, fast, furious, focused learning opportunities.  Mind Field models that are cost effective, impactful, scalable and with plans to be established after the pilot are most highly sought. Mind Fields can be part of a course or could also be carved out as a standalone experience.

Required Elements

  • Support student growth of applied critical thinking competency related to either 1. addressing a challenging complex problem(s) with no direct answer 2. a particular skillset, or both
  • Assesses the potential gain in capacity for at least one RIT applied critical thinking learning outcome. Assessment results must be shared with the Fram Office after completion of the Mind Field.
  • Pilots for a minimum of 8 student participants, but scalable.

Desired Elements

  • Enhance awareness by engaging varied participants (by major, experience, view, etc.) or with an eye toward building a mind field that can be offered to broad audiences.
  • Integrate critical thought and feedback opportunities from others in addition to the instructor, such as peers, visiting stakeholders, alumni, community members, etc.

2022 Recipients

  • Alex Lobos (CAD), Mary McLoughlin and Jung Whan (JP) Park: “Critical Making Workshop” - How do designers solve problems? Where do you start? How can you take an idea and turn it into a physical form? These are just some of the questions we will be answering in this workshop. Critical making is a process that allows anyone to analyze, compare, and learn through making. This workshop will cover design thinking, ideation, translation of ideas from 2D to 3D, rapid prototyping, and communication of ideas to create a discourse.
  • Erin Auble (NTID) and Sacha Glasser: “Where Did the Tools Go? Painting Outside the Box” - When traditional paint tools are absent, what can you create? This challenge will allow groups to design a large painting, invent and create their own tools and execute creations using theatrical painting techniques.
  • Hinda Mandell (COLA):  “The Happy Haptic Toolbox for Problem Solving” - This project centers a tactile approach to overcoming roadblocks and obstacles that students may commonly experience in campus life. By focusing on the manipulation of objects through touch – students will develop community, gain tangible skills that are tactical, and work through real-life challenges by building and emphasizing the mind-hand-community connection.