90-Minute Recording of Audio Online Seminar • Originally Broadcast July 16, 2008 • $189

Bringing students into an academic environment and keeping them engaged can be a key factor in how well they perform; how well they perform makes a big difference in whether they continue to be a part of your institution's enrollment. One way to help both of those scenarios is through active learning communities, where students learn together and from one another.

During this online seminar we discuss two years of research on the impact of learning communities on student retention and academic performance. The research involved 199 students and was conducted at Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio (total campus enrollment of about 3,500 students). We also talk about the importance of instituting learning communities early on ¯ preferably in the students’ first year.

Improved retention and improved grades are just two of the most visible, and measurable, benefits to instituting learning communities. By using this valuable concept on your campus, you'll also see more engaged faculty and increased collaboration across the curriculum, in addition to reinforcing general education requirements and the creation of “Classrooms without Walls.”

Knowledge benefits for you:
• Understand how a learning community is defined
• Gain the knowledge to create an active learning community at your own institution
• Discuss why these communities are so successful at increasing student learning
• Learn why these communities increase student retention rates
• Understand the benefits and pitfalls of setting up new learning communities, and the opportunities they provide for faculty
• Get your campus excited about incorporating learning communities, or learn how to make your existing program even better

Who should attend:
• Community college administrators at all levels
• Academic deans and department chairs
• Presidents and chancellors
• Directors of advising and counseling
• VPs and deans of instruction
• Directors of enrollment and retention
• Student development administrators
• Student support services personnel

Featured Higher Education Presenter:

    Dr. John Fallon