Just wanted to share our early parent impressions of CWRU because I’ve been genuinely struck by how intentional the academic experience seems to be. Yes—some intro classes are big. But everything we’re seeing suggests they’re designed from day one to support interaction, teamwork, and actual learning rather than passive note-taking.
A few examples from my student’s first semester:
Science class – built-in study groups (week 1!)
One of their science courses immediately assigned students to groups of four, with the clear expectation that they’d support each other all semester. Not just “find a partner if you want”—actual structured groups, with defined collaboration built into the coursework. As a parent, that feels huge for easing the transition and creating a small community inside a large class.
Intro engineering – rotating groups + experiential work
The intro engineering course has been another great surprise. Students worked in new groups every week or two, so they had to collaborate with a wide range of peers. They’ve completed projects in the Think[box] (which is exactly as impressive as everyone says), and even had an assignment to interview a senior engineering major. I love that this class forces them to see themselves as part of an engineering ecosystem—not just freshmen taking prerequisites.
Math class – chalkboards and… a math gala?!?
Their math professor teaches with real chalk on a huge set of nine chalkboards that raise and lower while he teaches. And for reading day, the department organized a Math Gala with food in the building atrium and a dozen TAs stationed across classrooms, each ready to coach students on a specific problem set.
Overall, I’ve been really impressed. My student feels like they’re not just attending lectures—they’re part of a structured, engaging academic community that wants them to succeed. For anyone wondering whether CWRU supports students in large classes: based on what we’ve seen so far… absolutely yes.
A friend’s son just started at CWRU, as well. They are very impressed so far. We first met at our kids’ very progressive elementary/middle school, filled with parents who are uber-picky about the quality of their kids’ education, so that says a lot.
I am just seeing this, but I am so impressed by this. I think it will be on 27s list! I wish it had been on 25s, but alas..
the built in study group, as first years, seems so smart as a set-up. This seems such good practice for long-term AND recognizes that not all students have the social skills to pull this off first year fall (especially).
Works for some, but my D HATED the groups she was assigned to. She went to a school with 3x as many males as females and felt she got the worst ones to work with (always putting off completing their part of the projects, never respectful of her or her time). She was much happier when she got to pick her own partners (who could be male, but she got to pick and could walk away if it wasn’t working out).
fair. I have a kid at another school who struggles to find or participate in a study group unless assigned, so bad group (unless PTSD level) would still be SUCH a good icebreaker for them, always.
I am sorry she went through that..and I think group projects are different from study groups. I HATE ALL group projects (good thing I am not an engineer:) I think you are talking about projects which is very different IMO. Also, those should have processes for switching and reporting out to profs or else shouldn’t exist.
Sort of both. She was assigned to a group to design and make a mini golf course hole, but that was the whole class and whole grade for that class. She had limited time, and one guy didn’t get certified to use the workshop until half way thru the semester and then was mad when daughter started without him.
She was an athlete and became study partners with a guy from another sport who missed class several times a month. They were great together as she’d ‘teach’ him the class and realize when she was glossing over info and they’d slow down and really learn it. She also got up at 5 am so being assigned to a study group that met at 8 or 9 at night wouldn’t have worked very well. She didn’t like groups that wanted to socialize and take all night to get a few things done as she just didn’t have the time (or was asleep).
I admit it, she has control issues and likes to do things her way. She is an engineer and has to work with others all the time, but that doesn’t mean she likes it.