Learning Communities
What are Learning Communities?
Learning communities are considered a high impact educational practice in which groups of cohorts or students actively engage in collaborative learning experiences regarding a similar topic, concern, or question over time and are designed to help promote high levels of engagement, collaboration, and active learning among students. The key goals for learning communities in higher education are to encourage integration of learning across courses, involve students with "big questions" that touch society, and to help foster a supportive and in-depth learning environment that encourages students to take a more active role in their academic career (AAC&U, 2008).
Why get involved?
Learning communities create the academic and social integration shown to positively impact course grades and student graduation rates. By having the same peers in their classes, students are able to develop relationships with their colleagues and professors. This close interaction will enhance a sense of belonging, and increase their likelihood of continuing their academic career. Students will be able to have a sense of deeper engagement with their academics and social environments where they can be more involved with their school and improve their overall college experience (Center for Engaged Learning, Elon University).
How to get involved
Please click on the following links to learn more about learning communities at Valencia College: