Linked Learning Communities

Course Linked Learning Communities

Curriculum Features

The main feature of learning communities is to link courses together so that a student can begin making connections between subjects to engage more in the learning process. The material does not have to be changed in the particular learning community of interest but is suggested to work together with the faculty members taking part.

  • Curricula can be organized around a theme, question, or issue. For example, the themed learning community “Writing Well-Ness,” which is to help students develop their reading and writing skills to a college level as well as create a healthy working and study environment.

  • Linked courses provide opportunities for synergism, with courses supporting each other or connected by an interdisciplinary theme.

  • Faculty work together to make the organizational decisions as to how the curriculum should be linked together.

  • A coordinated learning environment exists.

  • Learning Community courses help students identify the association between disciplines – whether a connection or conflict exists between disciplines and how they can use this knowledge to learn more about the subjects.

  • Integrated Learning Community with two courses should have one common syllabus

Structure of Course-Linked Learning Communities

  • Faculty are either recruited or work together to develop a Learning Community

  • Faculty are encouraged to participate in development sessions designed to enhance the Learning Communities collaborative process.

  • Faculty work together to develop their syllabi and make the courses cohesive.

  • Faculty are encouraged to provide feedback on their Learning Communities experiences both verbally and through a survey conducted each semester.

  • Developing members are responsible for promotion and recruitment and can enroll the assistance of the Office of Academic Enhancement if needed.

Interest Linked Learning Communities

Interest linked learning communities are a small group of students with a common interest in a major field of study, graduate school, or career field.  No specific academic component is required as well as them living together in a specific area of the residence halls. Interest linked learning communities are different because you can combine specific linked courses as well as a residential community aspect as well.

Interest Linked - Living Learning Community Example

The Live Green community is for students who are passionate about the environment and sustainable living. Opening for the first time in Fall 2011, in the new LEED certified residence hall, the Live Green community is an environmentally-themed living community. Residents within the Live Green community will be able to take part in a variety of programs and initiatives concerning awareness about sustainability and fostering a cleaner campus environment. Residents will also play an active role in the Campus Garden, Recyclemania, Landfill on the Lawn, and the Green Games. Residents within the community will make a conscious effort to conserve energy and water, and will sign a sustainable living agreement.

Graduate and Professional School Learning Community

This learning community is currently offered on the TAMUG campus by Dr. Susan Knock.  Students in graduate school and students interested in pursuing graduate school or a professional school are asked to register for the meeting time. Students meet with admissions counselors from graduate programs, take field trips, discuss dissertations and thesis papers, offer support to each other through the tough application and writing process.

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