1. Julie Schroeder Learning Communities Pictures courtesy of https://mail.du.edu/

2. Learning Communities What is a learning community? What are the benefits of a learning community? How do you join a learning community? Picture courtesy of http://www.du.edu/leadership/

3. Learning Communities Definitions: “A type of block scheduling with the same group of students enrolled together in two or more courses” (Andrade 3). “Commonly organized around a theme with shared and connected learning as curriculum goals” (Andrade 3). “Students who spend a substantial amount of time engaged in common intellectual activities” (Zhao 116).

4. Benefits Easy Transition Instant Friends Relationships with Faculty Involvement on Campus Satisfaction with University Academic Success Picture courtesy of http://housing.uoregon.edu/reshalls/academic_programs.php

5. Easy Transition Smooth transition Friends Campus, resources, faculty (Andrade 15) Extracurricular activities Motivation and engagement (Jaffee 66) 10/11 students agreed or strongly agreed

6. Ohio University Learning Communities at the University of Ohio

7. Instant Friends “Greater social interaction with peers and extracurricular involvement” (Zhao 188). “The birds of a feather flock together” (Jaffee 66). “Instant Family” (Auburn Student) “Living with people who care about school” (DU Student) “Close, caring group of friends” (DU Student)

8. Auburn University Auburn University Learning Communities

9. Instant Friends - Continued Pioneer Leadership Program Participants Similar interests Social atmosphere Study groups 10/11 students agree or strongly agreed that their Learning community has provided them with friends. Picture courtesy of http://www.du.edu/livinglearning/international/index.html

10. Strong Relationships with Faculty Academic advising, campus was supportive of academic success (Zhao 124). Peer and faculty support – key factor (Andrade 7). Comfortable with professors in a classroom environment “Very involved PLP staff who care about students” (DU Student). “Great community and support network” (DU Student). Picture courtesy of http://www.du.edu/leadership/learn/index.html

11. Strong Relationships - Continued PLP Director Linda Olson: Comfortable with faculty members Advise for classes, professors, internships Create opportunities to network “Advisory example, seek out opportunities, network students” 8/11 students agreed or strongly agreed that the students’ professor created a comfortable learning environment.

12. Involved on Campus Engagement with faculty, peers, and academics increased dramatically (Andrade 8). Enhances social interaction with peers and extracurricular involvement (Zhao 118). “More encouraged to join other groups and clubs on campus” (DU Student). 9/11 participants agree or strongly agreed that their learning community has increased their involvement on DU’s campus. Picture courtesy of http://www.du.edu/livinglearning/wellness/index.html

13. Satisfied with University Increased: academic advising, access to faculty, academic involvement with peers, and fulfillment of expectation (Andrade 11). PLP students: satisfied with program, university, and take the skills learned in the classroom and apply them to life outside of college. Picture courtesy of http://www.du.edu/livinglearning/social_justice/index.html

14. Academic Success LC Seniors have higher grade point averages (Zhao 124). Improved oral speaking, critical thinking, and writing skills (Andrade 7). Developed study groups and relationships with professors “Students want to learn during class and work together to create a positive atmosphere in the classroom” (DU Student). Picture courtesy of http://www.du.edu/livinglearning/social_justice/index.html Picture courtesy of http://www.du.edu/grad/admissions/apply.html

15. Communities at DU Creativity & Entrepreneurship Environmental Sustainability International Social Justice Wellness Pioneer Leadership Program.

16. How to join a Learning Community Visit Website: http://www.du.edu/livinglearning/apply.html To apply: Pick learning community Complete contact information Write essay

17. References Andrade, Maureen S. "Learning Communities: Examining Positive Outcomes.” Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice 9.1 (2008): 1-20. ERIC. CSA. 2 Apr. 2009. Jaffee, David. “Peer Cohorts and the Unintended Consequences of Freshman Learning Communities.” College Teaching 55.2 (2007): 65-71. ERIC. CSA. 2 Apr. 2009. Zhao, Chun-Mei, and Kuh, George. "Adding Value: Learning Communities and Student Engagement." Research in Higher Education 45.2 (2004): 115-38. ERIC. CSA. 2 Apr. 2009.