For starters, a learning community is the pairing of two or more linked courses, and the instructors in the courses work together to integrate assignments across their curricula so that students have a much deeper and more meaningful learning experience than in a normal classroom. In other words, instructors combine assignments where it makes sense in overlapping concepts between curricula, and students and instructors benefit from the connections.
Also, the same students are enrolled in each of the courses so that their time spent together helps form a community. Research also proves that students who are in a learning community within the first two semesters of college are more likely to stay in college, have higher GPAs, and complete their programs of study when compared to students who don't participate in a learning community.
The major takeaway for students is this: because students become more familiar with one another, as well as better acquainted with their instructors, they tend to spend more time together. Also, instructors typically spend some time in each other's classes when teaching the integrated lessons, so students get double the "bang for the buck" than in typical courses. This element helps students feel more comfortable in working cooperatively and in asking questions of each other and their instructors as they build a lasting camaraderie with one another (not to mention the deeper learning that takes place).
A student recently told me that he was excited about a learning community I was teaching because he could actually understand how my course and the other course fit together. He said he could see the benefit of using the strategies he was learning once he got a job after graduation.
In short, learning communities benefit students and instructors, too. Students find college more satisfying through new relationships with peers and instructors. Instructors find their teaching strengthened through consistently evaluating their curriculum and tweaking it to help students see connections.
Learning communities are a win-win for everyone!
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| https://www.eschoolnews.com/2014/03/12/power-learning-communities-804/ |
I think this sounds like a great idea! We have learning communities in our school corporation and it has been successful in aligning instructional goals and practices in our building. The approach your describing sounds really interesting. I look forward to hearing more!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm excited about the opportunities learning communities provide to students, and I look forward to interacting with you!
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