Orientation
Learning Communities
Note: For information on this program or to enroll, contact the advisement office at 775-673-7062 or Charlotte Cox at 775-673-7097.
What is a learning community?
- The same twenty students go through three classes together forming a community. Everyone knows each other well.
- Learning focuses on collaboration.
- Instructors, subjects and assignments are linked through a common theme.
- Teachers leave the front of the classroom to mingle with students, make connections between classes, helping students learn.
- The group helps you succeed in and out of class.
How is a learning community different from traditional college classes?
| Traditional classes | Learning Community | |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Separate | Subjects are related through theme |
| Support to Succeed (tutoring, career center, counseling) | Students may seek it out | It's part of class: mentors attend class and lead study sessions outside of class; counselors are part of the team |
| Studying | Students are on their own, may lose motivation | Students study together in and out of class and help each other |
| Faculty | Students are expected to make contact during office hours or via e-mail for help | Work closely with students in/out of class, meet weekly with other instructors to monitor students |
| Dropping Courses | Students may drop one or all classes | Students must stay enrolled in all Learning Community classes or drop them all |
What are the benefits?
- Priority registration for fall and spring semester
- Intensive support ensures completion of developmental coursework without repeating
- Study time structured to prevent procrastination
- Extracurricular activities reinforce learning
- Peer mentors attend class and provide math tutoring and other homework assistance
- College-initiated counseling support throughout entire first year
- Faculty meet weekly to discuss and monitor student learning
- Courses relate to one another to hold student interest
- Career exploration course (1 credit) encourages student motivation
Are these regular courses or special?
- Course content covers required materials and provides the same credits for transferring and graduation as traditional classes.
What students say about learning communities:
- "I felt closer to the teachers and especially the students. I've never had this much interaction with my classmates before!"
- "I felt in a group not just of teachers and classmates, but of supporters and friends."
- "If I didn't understand something in one class, we could discuss it in the other class in the learning community."
- "I got lots of different points of view from my classmates.
How do I register?
- See an academic advisor
Current Learning Communities Fall 2009
| Math Success | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math 095 | Elementary Algebra | 3 | TTH | 11:00-12:15 |
| SSK 109 | Study Skills | 3 | TTH | 12:30 – 1:45 |
| The Ultimate Reality Show | ||||
| EPY 101 | Education, Leadership and Personal Development | 3 | MW | 11:00-12:15 |
| ENG 098R | Preparatory Composition | 3 | MW | 12:30-1:45 |
| Cultural Identity and College Success | ||||
| EPY 101 | Education, Leadership and Personal Development | 3 | MW | 11:00-12:15 |
| ENG 112C | Bridge Reading Skills | 3 | MW | 12:30-1:45 |
What kind of extracurricular activities are planned and do I have to attend them?
These are events planned by you and your community of students and instructors such as a field trip to a museum related to class or a pizza party to study for a test. Students are encouraged to attend all activities; a certain number are required.
Who are the peer mentors?
Peer mentors are students who have succeeded in the courses you will be taking and have been specially trained to help you with your studies.
Is financial assistance available to pay for these classes?
Financial aid may be available. Please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) by June 1.
Why join a learning community?
- Research shows students are more likely to succeed with this support
- Pass your classes the first time and avoid having to repeat and repay
- Meet new friends and find study partners more easily
- Math and writing assistance is part of the class
Where can I get more information?
Note: For information on this program or to enroll, contact the advisement office at 775-673-7062 or Charlotte Cox at 775-673-7097.