Articles

“Learning Communities and the Future of the Humanities.” Phyllis Van Slyck. (Professions, 2006).

Van Slyck offers insight into the history of Learning Communities in this century and argues for the value of community college based interdisciplinary learning communities in helping to foster much needed growth in the humanities at the four year colleges.

“The Challenge of Learning Communities as a Growing National Movement.” Barbara Leigh Smith. (Peer Review, Fall 2001)

As a result of the expansion of learning communities, says Smith, the movement faces several new challenges ahead. Among them are the continued emphasis on incorporating best teaching practices, accommodating and fostering growing diversity, promoting institutional changes, and focusing clear goals for the future.

“A New Era in Learning-Community Work: Why the Pedagogy of IntentionalIntegration Matters” Emily Lardner and Gillies Malnarich. (Change Magazine, July-August 2008)

This article describes a significant shift in emphasis in learning community practice over the past decade: from a focus on models and organizational structures to a focus on intentionally designed integrative learning for students.

"Redefining College Readiness"  David T. Conley (Eugene, OR: Educational Policy Improvement Center, 2007)

This comprehensive study offers new insights into what it means to be "college ready," not only across all the major disciplines, but across entire campuses and even educational segments.  Also, it offers suggestions for teachers and institutions who are interested in using these insights to improve student learning.