Learning Communities Give Students a Full Learning Experience

Students interested in getting more out of their classes next semester might want to consider becoming involved in Learning Communities. Learning Communities is a program that involves two instructors linking courses and curriculum to provide students with a way to see connections between the work they do in college. “I would encourage people to think about how they would like to be involved in their campus,” says English instructor Kelly Fredericks. “Learning Communities might be a good option.”

Learning Communities encourages students to look at topics from different perspectives. “It has the potential to transform our college,” says English professor Brian Condrey. “It makes classes more interesting for students and teachers.” Learning Communities are linked by a common theme and students will be given integrated assignments related to that particular theme.

Students will look at different issues and analyze it from the perspective of a particular discipline. “How would a writer look at poverty? How would a sociologist look at poverty? These are issues we will be looking at,” says Fredericks. “Students will be able to see that there are connections in the content.”

“What this program attempts to do is provide students with that sense of connectedness,” says Condrey. “At community colleges, people don’t feel like they’re getting that full college experience. You show up, take the class, and go home.”

Professors are hoping that Learning Communities will provide students with a unique opportunity next semester. “I’m hoping that students will create stronger relationships with each other,” says Fredericks. “Students definitely say that this is an extremely valuable experience.” According to professors, research shows that if students can connect with other students on campus their success increases dramatically. “Research suggest that students are more successful in Learning Communities because they have support from other students,” says Sociology professor Marc Flacks. “Students do better in linked courses than those who take it separate because they’re not isolated.”

Students will also be given the opportunity to become involved in community projects. “What is being taught in the classroom is not always relevant to students,” says Fredericks. “Learning Communities is a way to address that trend.” Students will be involved in different community services as well as contributing to public events. Professor Flacks is also interested in getting his students involved with a local documentary that would help connect local history with writing. “I’m hoping students in Learning Communities can help with the documentary.”

Professors would also like to see Learning Communities create a stronger professional development among faculty. “It causes you as an instructor to reflect on your practice,” says Condrey. “It is going to encourage cooperation and positive thinking.” Instructors will work together on a shared assignment and then present it to their classes. “It is designed so that the students can work together,” says Fredericks. “We want there to be more interaction between students.”

“I think it’s engaging; it’s challenging. I’m a new instructor and I’m always trying to improve my teaching and experiment with new things.” says Condrey. “This new approach of teaching is more challenging than I could ever have thought.”

Professors would like to see more Learning Communities developed in the future. “Hopefully we’ll expand Learning Communities and we’ll be able to get students to think education in itself is worthwhile.” says Flacks. Professor Condrey would like to see as many as four to five Learning Communities in the course catalogue for next spring. “As one of the people facilitating Learning Communities, my goals are to broaden this thing.”

Students who want to experience something different and who want to feel connected with the college are encouraged to enroll. “I would encourage people who want to be successful to enroll in our Learning Communities,” says Condrey. “I think it will engage students.”