Common Experience Assignment

G.R.O.W.ing Through Media

You will explore a curated set of mixed-media resources (TED Talks, music, poetry, short stories, research articles, YouTube videos, etc.) centered on the theme of Life-Long Learning through G.R.O.W. As a group, you will synthesize your assigned media pieces and present your insights through a collaborative presentation.

For this assignment, you will participate in experiences throughout the class through multiple media (i.e., TED Talks, Music, Poetry, Short Stories, Research, etc.).

You will take the content you engage with throughout the semester to construct a synthesized project around information literacy and Lifelong Learning through G.R.O.W. (Gather, Reflect, Overcome, and Work) principles as outlined in the course content and assignment. You will participate in class discussions on the concepts covered throughout the semester. This project will see you and your group synthesize and deliver your take on the G.R.O.W. Common Experience.  

Each group will receive a bundle of 2 mixed-media pieces that align with each G.R.O.W. pillar. For example:

• A TED Talk on overcoming adversity: Overcome
• A poem about identity and growth: Reflect
• A short story about mentorship: Work
• A research article on learning styles: Gather

Each group will create a presentation (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva) that includes:

Introduction to the Media Bundle

• Briefly describe each piece and its format (video, poem, article, etc.).

Key Insights (Gather)

• What knowledge, perspectives, or competencies did the group gain from the media?

Personal & Societal Reflection (Reflect)

• How do these insights relate to students’ past, present, or future experiences? How do they connect to broader societal issues?

Challenges & Growth (Overcome)

• What challenges are highlighted in the media? How do they relate to the challenges students face in college and life?

Collaboration & Application (Work)

• How did the group collaborate to synthesize the content? How can these insights be applied in academic, professional, or personal contexts?

Implications for Lifelong Learning

• What does this media bundle teach about being a lifelong learner?