The art of learning: Week 8 reflections

Oct. 13, 2026

— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management

Can you believe we’re already at week 8? Time really does fly!

We’ve hit the peak of our roller-coaster ride together! Take a moment to enjoy the view! As we pause at the top, take a look back at the sunny days of summer and ahead to the exciting winter holidays that are just around the corner. It’s all coming up fast! The second half of the semester will rush by just like the first, so let’s take a moment to consider and refocus. It is a great time to take stock. How are you feeling? Are you up to speed with your work? What’s on your plate? What are the big things you’re expected to learn, and how are you handling it all?

Hold on just a second! What exactly are we expected to learn? Some stuff is pretty straightforward. In chemistry, we dig into the periodic table and electron orbitals. In biology, we explore the Krebs cycle and evolution. And in art, we dive into impressionism, color and form – so many fascinating topics! But remember, understanding these concepts isn’t the only reason we’re learning. What deeper lessons and adventures await you just beneath the surface?

Many bright minds have dedicated themselves to exploring the true essence of learning and the myriad lessons we can embrace from impactful experiences. One of the most inspiring frameworks for understanding this is the Taxonomy of Significant Learning. When you look at the diagram below, you’ll see that much of what we regard as the most important knowledge gained in college resides in that small segment of the pie just to the right of the top. This invites us to appreciate the depth and breadth of our learning journey!

A Taxonomy of Significant Learning. From: Fink, L. D. (2003). Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An Integrated Approach to Designing College Courses. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. (p. 30).
A Taxonomy of Significant Learning. From: Fink, L. D. (2003). Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An Integrated Approach to Designing College Courses. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. (p. 30).

Take a moment to check out the chart! What do each of the 'wedges' and their contents mean to you? Which parts of learning do you connect with the most? Are there some that feel more important than others? Personally, I’m really excited about the dimensions on the left side of the diagram – they feel so significant to me! I think this is where the most meaningful learning happens. What kinds of experiences are you hoping to have, and what steps are you taking to make that happen?

How does this peek behind the scenes of learning experience design make you feel? Does it excite you, or does it seem a little overwhelming? If it feels like a lot, don't worry! All those deeper lessons will naturally come your way as you move through your higher education journey. That’s what makes this whole experience so incredible! Every day you show up for class, get involved in your student job or club, and chase those enriching opportunities is a step toward those amazing outcomes.

Congrats on diving into this journey! Keep up the fantastic work!

Things to do:

Spring 2027 is just around the corner, and the course list is officially live! Schedule a 30-minute registration appointment with your academic advisor through Nanook Navigator. If you don’t see any available times, please reach out to your advisor via email to find a time that works for both of you. 

Have you used the new AWARDED scholarship platform?  You can complete your profile and apply for both the upcoming spring semester (deadline: Oct. 15, 2026) and the 2027–2028 academic year (deadline: Feb. 15, 2027) all in one spot. Don't let these awesome funding opportunities pass you by! Take our brief, confidential survey to share your experience and help us improve scholarship support for students. Your feedback will directly impact how we support students in the future.

Speaking of making your voice heard, Oct. is Voice 2 Vision month! Nanook Eats wants to know all about your campus dining experience. Share your tasty tips and feedback throughout the month, and you could land yourself an awesome Poppi prize pack or a pizza party for you and your friends!

Take care of yourself. Move. Eat right. Sleep. Connect with loved ones.

Have a great week eight!

You did it! Incredible! We’ve reached the halfway point – or even a bit beyond! Outstanding effort. The journey to the end of the term will be swift – stay focused!

As ever, if you’d care to share your perspective and comments on what is going well or what could be better, please do! You can find me at obguthrie@alaska.edu.