The engaged learning process is not new, or unique, but is certainly not common. My undergrad institute called this "The Thayer" method and required students to do the reading before class and show up ready to discuss. There were often even homework assignments based on the work that was not covered in class yet to force pre-reading. Class time was then a productive discussion and a chance to ask questions. During class students would be asked to "Take boards" and perform math or chemistry calculations immediately and on their own so that the teacher can assess the class's progress. This school also offered chemistry and engineering classes which will never work at Minerva because of the lab requirements. A liberal arts degree should include a basic chemistry + lab course, but I don't see this working with the program they describe.
To me Minerva appears to have a sound business model based on bringing foreign students in for an education with low overhead. This will take the most profitable students away from traditional schools, and require tuition to go up for the types of degrees that can't be offered in this environment.
To me Minerva appears to have a sound business model based on bringing foreign students in for an education with low overhead. This will take the most profitable students away from traditional schools, and require tuition to go up for the types of degrees that can't be offered in this environment.