Learning Communities
As a part of a Learning Community, you and a group of other first year students enroll (in the fall semester) in two or more courses linked by integrated assignments, a collaborative team of faculty members, and a Learning Community Peer Assistant (LCPA), who is an upper-division student leader.
What are the benefits?
As a student enrolled in a learning community, you will be able to:
- Connect with your peers.
As a member of a learning community, you will have the opportunity to meet other first-year students in your learning community courses. You will have shared experiences and be able to support each other through your academic success.
- Build lasting relationships with faculty both inside and outside of the classroom.
Being able to build relationships with faculty is a priceless experience that will be valuable to you throughout your college years and beyond.
- Develop a sense of belonging within the Indiana State University community.
One of the best ways to get acquainted with your new home is by getting involved in the community. By participating in a learning community, you will have the opportunity to develop a connection within the ISU community and Terre Haute.
- Engage in experiential learning experiences which will enhance in-class learning.
By engaging in experiential learning experiences, you have the chance to apply in-class learning to real world experiences. As you learn by doing, you obtain a better understanding of what you are learning and retain the new information better.
The following are examples of what learning communities have done in the past:
--Students enrolled in AVT 130 "Introduction to the Aviation Department" and TMGT 195 "Introduction to Computer Applications" attended the Terre Haute International Airport Air Show and visited the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.
--Students enrolled in SOC 100 "United States Diversity: Sociological Perspectives" and SOWK 101 "Social Work Learning Community Experience" worked with the Wabash Valley Habitat for Humanity and helped raise funds for the program.
Learning Community courses available
The following are examples of linked learning community courses. Click on a link for a description of that course.
- PCSI 107 United States Diversity: Contemporary American Issues and PSCI 201 American Government
- ENG 108 Writing about Literature and Culture
and HIST 102 Studies in World Civilization since 1500
- HIST 201 The United States to 1877
and WS 200 Introduction to Women's Studies
- NURS 104 Introduction to Professional Nursing and NURS 106 Mental Health Aspects of Nursing Practice
How to enroll in a learning community
Ask your academic advisor about being part of a Learning Community at New Student Orientation.
Last updated: 2 September 2009