The new Social and Behavioral Sciences Computer Laboratory at the New Community College of Baltimore will introduce students to computer-based social science research. Although science is central to the social sciences, introductory courses typically offer static recitations of conventional social science knowledge, whereas what students need to learn are the methods of scientific inquiry. The curricular plan for the lab is based on this and three other realities of higher education for the 21st century: 1) adult students learn differently from their younger counterparts; 2) higher education must develop self-directed learners; and 3) Students must become computer literate. Higher education is attracting older students with life experience who achieve better when they complete real tasks, as opposed to simulation and exercises. This kind of self-directed scientific inquiry is the centerpiece of the Social Science department's curricular renaissance, which includes the conversion of introductory social science classes from lecture courses to science lab courses.
