Hands-On Learning Takes Shape in UMN Crookston Welding Class

"My favorite part was learning how to weld because it's a skill you can actually use in real life. I also think more people should know about what students do at UMN Crookston. We do a lot here, and it's fun."

Sparks fly inside the welding shop at the University of Minnesota Crookston, where students are gaining practical, hands-on experience while working together on a project that will remain on campus long after the semester ends.

This semester, students enrolled in UMN Crookston's welding class completed two large-scale metal letter "M's" designed to simulate real-world welding work. For many students, the course marked their first experience with welding equipment and techniques. By the end of the semester, students had not only developed technical skills, but also built confidence, collaboration skills, and a finished product they were proud to contribute to the campus.

Many students enrolled in the class as part of their agricultural education curriculum, where hands-on learning plays an important role. Current student Sophia Hoefler said the interactive nature of the course made it especially valuable. "My favorite part was learning how to weld because it's a skill you can actually use in real life," she said. "I also think more people should know about what students do at UMN Crookston. We do a lot here, and it's fun."

Other students joined the course out of personal interest and curiosity about the trade. Mal Miller has desired the opportunity to learn welding skills for quite some time before enrolling in the class. "I've always wanted to learn how to weld, and signing up was the best decision," Miller said.

"We say we are hands-on. And this class proves it."

The class is taught by Travis Oliver, an adjunct instructor and UMN Crookston alumnus, who said his goal was to focus on real-world application rather than traditional testing. This was Oliver's first semester teaching welding at the university.

"Most students came in with little experience," Oliver said. "We started with the basics and built from there." He wanted students to create something meaningful that reflected the purpose behind welding work, and that's what this project was.

Teamwork played a major role in completing the 4 ft tall "M" sculptures, as students were divided into groups and given responsibility for different parts of the build. "I want to be an agricultural education teacher and teach different trades," said Cody Hendriksen. "Welding is a skill I can use outside of class." Hendriksen said he enjoyed being trusted with a project that will stay on campus. "It was cool building something that will last."

Instructor Travis Oliver also emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication throughout the course, noting that these skills extend beyond the welding shop. "I paid attention to how students worked together," Oliver said. "Those skills matter in any career."

For Oliver, student feedback is one of the most meaningful indicators of success in the classroom. "I want students to leave knowing they learned something," he said. "I'd rather see them do it than take a test."

"We say we are hands-on," Oliver said. "And this class proves it."

Alexis Bailie said the project highlighted the value of hands-on classes offered at UMN Crookston and showed what students can accomplish when given the chance to learn by doing. "This project shows what students are capable of, even with no experience, we felt comfortable learning," she said.

One of the completed "M" structures will be placed outside the welding shop, with plans to set it in concrete before the 2026 Commencement ceremony. The structure will serve as a visible reminder of the hands-on learning opportunities available on campus. The welding course reflects the University of Minnesota Crookston's commitment to experiential learning, showing how collaboration and applied skills can prepare students for future careers and everyday life.

Share this story

Related Stories

See All Stories