Are you curious about JMU X-Labs and the process by which our cross-disciplinary, team-taught courses are formed to innovate solutions? X-Labs is pleased to roll out our new course proposal system, along with essential information about X-Labs courses and the resources we provide when you teach in X-Labs.
First, we are here to support all levels of experience and curiosity! We understand that cross-disciplinary team teaching may be new to you and that some features in our X-Labs courses, listed below, may also be unfamiliar. Contact us at jmuxlabscourses@jmu.edu to connect with X-Labs Assistant Directors of Engaged Learning Adrienne Hooker, associate professor of media arts and design, and Masoud Kaveh, associate professor of physics. They are your consultants for course development – from ideation to launch and everything in between!
Second, what makes an X-Labs course uniquely ‘X-Labs’?
- A well-formed problem statement is the cornerstone of an X-Labs course.
Students experience the process of innovation through problem-based learning - Each course is team-taught from distinct fields of study and expertise.
Faculty and students are from different colleges
Student-centered approach
Courses are often cross-listed and carry multiple titles - Design thinking is the methodology used to facilitate the course.
X-Labs provides a design-thinking toolkit and Collaborative Pedagogy manual
X-Labs will provide the design-thinking facilitator for the course - (optional) External partners supply the problem statement and/or join the teaching team
X-Labs will assist in making connections and executing contracts
Third, our new course proposal form: Click Here. We suggest you review the form, then contact X-Labs assistant directors of engaged learning at jmuxlabscourses@jmu.edu to get the conversation started before you begin to fill out the form. NOTE: For Fall 2025 courses, the deadline to start the conversation and submit the form was December 1, 2024.
