Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Grand Experiment
Bascom Hill Historic District
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 17, 2010
1. A Grand Experiment Marker
Inscription.
A Grand Experiment. Bascom Hill Historic District. Fed up with the formalities of traditional education, Professor Alexander Meikeljohn decided in 1927 to try something new, converting a university residence hall into an "Experimental College." Students took no tests and received no grades, but instead participated in discussions, plays, performances and other activities that integrated learning into their daily lives. Although the college lasted only five years, it created a powerful legacy. Decades later, when universities across the nation wanted to offer students more than standard textbook instruction, they used the "Ex College" as a model to design residential learning communities.
Fed up with the formalities of traditional education, Professor Alexander Meikeljohn decided in 1927 to try something new, converting a university residence hall into an "Experimental College." Students took no tests and received no grades, but instead participated in discussions, plays, performances and other activities that integrated learning into their daily lives. Although the college lasted only five years, it created a powerful legacy. Decades later, when universities across the nation wanted to offer students more than standard textbook instruction, they used the "Ex College" as a model to design residential learning communities.
Erected 2001 by UW Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 43° 4.469′ N, 89° 24.05′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of North Park Street and State Street Mall, on the left when traveling north on North Park Street. The marker is near Music Hall at the bottom of Bascom Hill on the University of Wisconsin campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 925 Bascom Mall, Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The heart of the University of Wisconsin, with Bascom Hall at the top.
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 17, 2010
3. View from Bascom Hall
The State Capitol as seen from the top of Bascom Hill. State Street links state government and the state university.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,023 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.