MINERVA FORUM PLATFORM FOR FULLY ACTIVE LEARNING
FAQs
MINERVA FORUM
What exactly is Minerva Forum?
The Forum is Minerva’s proprietary technology platform, an advanced learning environment designed to facilitate real-time, continuous face-to-face interaction with your professors and classmates.
Are all classes at SRM AP in this Forum platform?
No. At present only Introduction to Programming with Python and Communicative English.
ACADEMIC
Are the Minerva courses compulsory?
Communicative English is compulsory for all students – SEAS and SLABS. Introduction to Computer Science with Python is optional.
Why these specific classes?
This intensive sequence of four courses over two semesters in the first year will prepare you with the practical knowledge to understand and apply different types of thinking: algorithmic, creative, and critical. These skills serve as a strong foundation for success in your other courses and in ventures beyond university.
Do I need to have a specific major in order to enroll in the Minerva program?
No — Minerva program participants are expected to be leaders and innovators pushing boundaries globally in a wide variety of fields, from entrepreneurship to business to social justice to medical research. The Minerva program will prepare you to thrive in any academic discipline or professional field because it provides you the skills needed to adapt as the world changes.
Do all classes take place online in the Minerva program?
All academic classes are conducted in real-time on online via Forum. All seminars are face-to-face — the equivalent of giving each student a front row seat.
How long is each class?
Each class is 90 minutes in length, offered twice per week.
Do I have to register for these courses or is it automatic enrolment? When and how do I register?
Enrollment in the Collegiate Accelerator will take place per the regular registration process for all SRM classes.
STUDENT LEARNING
Will I really be able to learn effectively on Forum?
Forum has been intentionally built to incorporate the science of learning and to ensure successful student learning outcomes. By teaching in this format, we ensure that each class will be small, highly interactive, and student-oriented. Classes are taught by fully qualified faculty members and are designed to be highly engaging and thought-provoking. In addition, Forum allows us to collect data on your performance during each session in order to provide timely feedback, helping you to learn more effectively.
How does the Minerva program teach students to think critically?
The Minerva program teaches students the habits and concepts that underlie four core capacities required of leaders and innovators: the abilities to think critically, think creatively, communicate effectively, and interact effectively. We will teach you these skills systematically and intentionally, instead of hoping that they will be learned through content
dissemination.
Is there homework or assignments outside of the class? How much preparation do I have to do before the class?
In addition to full participation in each class session, students should be prepared to complete required readings and other assignments ahead of time. Completing this work is critical for your success as well as the learning experience of your peers. This is because Minerva courses employ a “flipped” classroom model: students prepare for class by completing readings and assignments before class, then come to class to engage with peers through instructor-led discussions and activities.
Will students be sitting together around a table and watching a video of the professor or will students be in their dorm rooms? What is the physical location of the classes?
There is no required physical location for attending a class as long as it is an environment with high-speed internet where you are able to follow classes attentively. You can therefore be in your dorm room, in the student lounge, at a local cafe, or local library while attending classes in real-time. Students often take classes physically together, but this is not a requirement.