JBU Hands-On Learning Valuable

John Brown University made simulating a corporate ladder climb more real by expanding its hands-on ropes courses at the Soderquist Learning Center. Teaching teamwork, workplace ethics and problem solving has real meaning for the participants.

Two courses, one for team development and another made from a tree house, are part of the five year plan for developing the experiential learning project.

The team development course, which cost $18,000 to build, includes seven structures to encourage teamwork. The first of ten ropes-course elements in the tree-house diamond cost $28,000.

“The purpose [of the ropes course] is to develop ethical leaders,” said Timothy Kidd, director of experiential learning at the Soderquist center. Financing for the project stems from start-up funds from the founding partners of the Soderquist center.