TheAdolescenceDays

In the new breed of universities like New College, students focus on independent study. Instead of the credit-hour system, students have an agreement with the teacher about studying within specific subjects. Students finish seven agreements, three independent study projects and a long and original thesis paper to graduate. Things like letter grades and grade point averages are replaced by 'narrative evaluation'. It is constructive feedback by the teacher based on one's performance and coursework quality at the end of the semester. There is also no need to burn midnight oil to prepare for exams. There is no strong competition between students. Classes are small and close so that with interaction and discussions, students are engaged and that makes them grow a real interest towards their subjects. Students will learn to cherish their own progress based on their grasp of the subjects instead of credits and grades. Academic excellence, scholarship and research are the most important.