Sirena Hargrove-Leak, an engineering professor at Elon University, understands firsthand the obstacles students can face in pursuing their education. Growing up in rural North Carolina, she attended high school without honors or advanced classes, but the critical encouragement of her high school and college mentors gave her confidence in her own abilities.
Currently a professor in the engineering program at Elon University, Hargrove-Leak focuses on helping students reach their potential through participatory learning techniques and the combination of science and technology studies with the arts and humanities.
Below, Hargrove-Leak discusses how engaged learning can help students overcome self-doubt and build the confidence they need for success in college and beyond, and how colleges can support faculty in this effort. Offer your thoughts.
cue: Can you share a little about the challenges you faced during your training?
I grew up in a time when there was suspicion that someone who looked like me could pursue more than what was possible in my home community. I had to consistently work hard to prove that I was capable. One of many examples is a PhD supervisor who said, “Some people here don’t think you’ll succeed.” I decided they wouldn't be happy to see me give up. Ultimately, while working through the course with the instructor, he said my work was so good that he could use it as a solutions manual. My family values education, and I have navigated many challenges and failures based on their lessons. thank you Many people who believed in me and encouraged me.
cue: How have those experiences influenced your approach to teaching and meeting students where they are?
The challenges I have faced have given me greater empathy and a clearer understanding that students come to us at different stages of development and with varying levels of readiness. I am careful not to judge or make assumptions about my students' abilities, and I encourage them to use their strengths.
cue: What is participatory learning and how do you use it in your classroom? What value does it bring to students? And conversely, how do participatory learning techniques help teachers?
Participatory learning is active learning. Students are invited to become part of the learning experience and do not passively consume information. I often use a flipped classroom approach where my classes are taught by students struggling to solve real-world problems that are characteristic of the topics we explore and collaborate to solve. I use entrepreneurial mindset development, design thinking, and leadership development. As a result, we believe students are better able to adapt to the real world. There are a variety of participatory learning techniques, and I find that they continue to make teaching vibrant and innovative.
cue: What ideas have you seen working in universities seeking to increase support for faculty in their teaching activities?
Universities have a powerful influence when evaluating the discipline of teaching and learning as a professional activity. An effective approach can help faculty leverage their time and resources to pursue professional development opportunities and free up time for more immersive experiences.
cue: Elon University is unique in that its engineering programs were developed through the lens of the humanities. Can you explain why the university chose this line of work and how it sets students apart from their peers as they pursue their careers after graduation?
Through a broad study of liberal arts, our engineering majors can leverage the experience, knowledge, and skills gained in other disciplines to become more creative problem solvers. Through interaction and collaboration with students outside of the STEM program, students become more effective communicators. This is a very valuable expertise.
I once discussed the hiring process with an employer who didn't know I was in Elon's engineering program. They described Elon graduates as “outstanding” other engineering applicants and said interviews demonstrated that the student was exceptionally prepared to be an effective communicator, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with others.
cue: What would you recommend other faculty do to support students who feel they are struggling to reach their full potential?
As an empath, I would like to encourage other faculty to teach with sincerity, observe students, and not jump to conclusions. Find quiet moments and truly listen, asking students how they are and encouraging them to share more about their experiences. Finally, find ways to help students identify and clearly articulate their “why.”
Elon University, a mid-sized private university in North Carolina ranked among the best universities for undergraduate education by U.S. News, has made participatory learning a priority, providing educators with the tools, resources and time they need to develop this approach to education. . Pedagogical cornerstone. To learn more about engaged learning techniques and best practices, visit Elon's Center for Engaged Learning.