Freshman Center

What are Learning Communities?

Learning communities are sets of linked courses, usually exploring a common theme. Instructors in learning communities work together to develop the theme and coordinate their course content. Students enroll in all of the courses linked through the learning community. By linking together students, faculty, and courses, learning communities create more opportunities for enrichment, interaction, and exploration. Learning communities may include co-curricular activities, service learning opportunities, or other non-traditional educational experiences. Some include a residential dimension, with students (and sometimes faculty) living together and having at least some portion of their instruction in residence halls.

Learning communities have become increasingly common in colleges and universities across the United States. Learning communities have been shown to have a number of benefits for students:

• Higher level of student engagement in learning
• Increased academic achievement
• Increased retention

In addition, faculty find them stimulating as well. Learning communities provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and pedagogical innovation.

Of Interest

• Current Offerings
• Learning Communities Catalog
• Resource Page
• Bibliography

Students

The following are some of the learning communities that are being offered Fall 2012.
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• African Americans in U.S. History and Literature
• Bronco Men
• Bronco Women
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• The Seekers
• Teacher Education

Faculty

Learning Communities Resource Page: information for faculty interested in developing learning communities.