Introduction: A deliberate switch from screens to scenery
In an era dominated by screens and constant notifications, NUS College is making a pointed pivot: a week dedicated to learning outside the classroom. Touch Grass Week invites undergraduates to trade lecture halls for grassy quads, where ideas flourish in natural light and conversations loosen from the constraints of keyboards and glass screens.
What happens during Touch Grass Week
Across several sessions, students participate in outdoor seminars, collaborative writing labs, and field-based projects designed to leverage the benefits of offline study. In one circle on the campus lawn, six undergraduates gather, discussing a short story and jotting notes in their course books on their laps. The scene captures the core ethos: interactive dialogue, tactile note-taking, and a break from the digital drift that often accompanies coursework.
Another class centers on object-based writing prompts. Students choose everyday items—like a sponge or eggshells—and craft narratives or reflective essays around tactile experiences. Such activities emphasize sensory engagement, deep observation, and the ability to translate what eye can perceive into written language, a process that digital interfaces can sometimes obscure.
The benefits of learning offline
Experts often highlight the cognitive and social benefits of stepping away from devices. For NUS College, the outdoors provide a natural classroom where distraction is minimized, attention improves, and peer learning thrives. Outdoor environments encourage physical movement, which can boost focus and retention, while small-group formats foster more meaningful interactions than crowded lecture halls.
Touch Grass Week also prioritizes wellness and balance. By blending creativity with physical space, students experience reduced stress levels and increased engagement. Professors report that students who participate show improved observational skills, faster ideation, and a renewed curiosity about how real-world contexts connect with theoretical concepts.
How offline learning aligns with modern education goals
The shift toward offline learning at NUS College reflects a broader push within higher education to diversify delivery methods. Hands-on activities complement digital resources, offering a multisensory approach that supports different learning styles. For writing-focused disciplines, tactile prompts and in-person critique can accelerate skill development, while outdoor settings create authentic moments for reflection and discussion.
In addition to academic gains, Touch Grass Week builds a sense of community. When students sit on the grass and share ideas, backgrounds and disciplines may diverge, but the conversation becomes a bridge. Such experiences can enhance collaboration, empathy, and a sense of belonging—elements increasingly recognized as essential for student success in competitive academic environments.
Student voices and early impressions
Early participants describe the week as a refreshing reprieve from back-to-back virtual classes. One student notes that writing prompts conducted outside the classroom often yield more vibrant imagery and honest self-expression. Another participant highlights the joy of spontaneous feedback from peers, a form of critique that feels more constructive in an informal outdoor setting.
Looking ahead
As NUS College evaluates Touch Grass Week, organizers aim to integrate successful elements into regular curricula—without sacrificing the spontaneity that makes outdoor sessions special. Plans may include regular outdoor writing clubs, field visits linked to coursework, or seasonal competitions that incentivize creative exploration beyond the campus screens.
Conclusion: Learning that breathes and grows
Touch Grass Week embodies a deliberate, thoughtful approach to education: a reminder that not all learning happens behind a keyboard. By stepping onto the grass, students discover a different rhythm of thinking—one that blends observation, collaboration, and imagination. For undergraduates at NUS College, the grass isn’t just a lawn; it’s a living classroom where theory meets experience, and curiosity finds room to grow.
