|
| What are learning
communities? |
In higher education,
curricular learning communities are classes that are linked
or clustered during an academic term, often around an
interdisciplinary theme, and enroll a common cohort of
students. A variety of approaches are used to build these
learning communities, with all intended to restructure
the students' time, credit, and learning experiences to
build community among students, between students and their
teachers, and among faculty members and disciplines.
|
| Why should I get involved
in a learning community? |
As members of learning
communities, students are able to more easily meet and
interact with other students, who become a support system
for them. Students are able to discuss course material
with other learning community members in and out of
class, often forming social relationships alongside
the academic ones. This integration of course material
into students' daily lives and blending of the academic
and social realms contributes to a host of positive
outcomes, including:
- Increased GPA and academic skills
- Increased sense of belonging and
self-esteem
- Increased satisfaction and involvement
with the university
- Increased opportunities to write
and speak
- Higher retention rates
- Greater ability to meet academic
and social needs
- Higher critical thinking skills and
problem solving abilities
- A greater openness to ideas different
from one's own
|
| What learning communities
are offered at SHSU? |
|
|
What is the Freshman Learning Community?
The Sam Houston State University Freshman Learning Community (FLC) cohorts are an enhanced non-residential educational experience specifically designed to foster the intellectual development of students through increased interaction with fellow students, faculty and staff. The FLC cohorts offer first-year college students a unique opportunity to become intimately familiar with the necessary academic and social skills that will be a first step toward not only a dynamic undergraduate experience, but one that will prove invaluable in either the work place or post-baccalaureate education. |
|
|
|
What
is the
Bearkat Learning Community?
Implemented in 2001-02, this is a program which provides
incoming freshmen students the opportunity to take classes
with other students who live in the same residence hall.
This group of students also has a planned program of activities
designed to enhance academics as well as provide a positive
social atmosphere. BLC was implemented as a joint effort
of the Department of Residence Life, the Division of Academic
Affairs, and the Division of Student Services.
|
|
|
What is the Honors Program?
The Elliott T. Bowers Honors Program is a place for highly-motivated students looking for a unique educational opportunity. The Honors Program provides these achievement-oriented individuals with some financial support, an opportunity to interact with other similarly motivated students, special course offerings leading to an unusually broad educational experience, small classes, close contact with hand-picked faculty, the opportunity for early registration, and access to distinctively designed facilities. |
| |
|
|
