Learning Communities Concepts
Learning Communities @ Elon University
Where Living and Learning Meet

A collaborative project of Residence Life and Academic Affairs

 Key Concepts for Learning Communities

Community
Help students experience the learning community (teachers and students) as a community.

Focus on “learning to learn in community.”

Consider participation in a wider community, such as civic involvement in community beyond Elon.

Collaboration
Provide chances for learning team-work skills in meaningful social and academic contexts.

Allow students to work together outside the classroom on course-based and disciplinary projects, as well as on developing and maintaining the community itself.

Linking Theory with Opportunities for Practice
Look for and leverage opportunities for demonstrating the ability to use concepts and ideas AND for students to make learning their own, through applications and reflection outside the classroom.

Reflective Practice and Synthesis
Create chances for students to utilize and bring their different skills and “pieces of learning” together into a new whole. Harness the community relationships to push students to teach each other.

Encourage reflection and bringing ideas together within the community through experiences, discussions, trips, and group attendance at speakers and events.

Curricular Connections
Collaborate with other faculty/LCs to help students integrate ideas across disciplines.

Help students develop “connected knowing” by pushing them to test their skills/knowledge in experiences outside the classroom.

Key Questions for Advisors

Consider the UNIQUE nature and benefits of the living-learning environment.  How can faculty, in-class learning, out-of-class experiences, & theme be integrated into community life in order to advance a departmental goal or support students in a unique manner?

Start with CLEAR GOALS.  What is the purpose of this community?  What are the learning outcomes (related to enhancing residents’ academic, personal and social development/ success) this community, as opposed to other methods, can achieve?  Develop a specific action plan for the year that addresses community goals.

Identify WHO will be involved and how.  How will the academic department and faculty engage in planning and supporting the life of the community?  How will faculty and Residence Life professional and student staff work together to ensure success?

Explore what TYPES OF ACTIVITIES would best help students to learn.  What off-campus trips, lectures, discussions, campus events would fit the community curriculum?

How can residents play a role in designing and implementing their ideal community?  What tasks or roles could residents take?  Ask students their ideas about the community and events. Empower the students to take ownership.