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Dr. Nicola Findley

Faculty Profile: Dr. Nicola Findley

Education Associate Professor Nicola Findley was drawn to the American studies minor by its interdisciplinary curriculum and its values to her students.

After sitting in on a class taught by colleague Laura von Wallmenich, she said she thought her American Education class would be beneficial for both her education students and American studies minors.

Dr. Nicola Findley

The American Education class, taught in spring term, studied some of the underlying philosophies of different types of schooling as well as looked at some of the enduring issues and debates in American schooling. The class took day trips to various schools, including Montessori, Waldorf, charter and magnet schools.

In the future, Findley said she would like to take this class further by using the school system in England as a comparison.

Findley, originally from England but a Michigan resident since 1990, was looking for small liberal arts college when she came to Alma. She says the students at Alma stand out among other colleges because of their enthusiasm for learning and new experiences.

"I like that so many come from smaller towns, and I get to introduce them to new ideas and experiences," Findley says.

 

Alma College students report a level of interaction with faculty that ranks among the top 5 percent in the nation, according to the results of the 2006 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).

 

Student Profile

Jaclyn Freeman
Graduation: 2008
Major: History
Minor: American Studies

Jaclyn Freeman plans to use her American Studies minor to bring a new perspective to teaching high school history.

"Because American Studies is an interdisciplinary program, it brings so many differing viewpoints into the class discussions, and that is not necessarily seen in a single discipline course," the North Branch senior says.