Learning Communities and Political Science: An Ideal Pairing

• In Event: TLC at APSA: Pedagogy Café

Abstract

Learning Communities (LCs), when done well, are a recognized High Impact Practice for promoting student success in higher education. The National Learning Communities Association defines LCs as “…intentional educational approaches to improve the teaching and learning experience. These approaches often emphasize the integration of the curriculum and co-curriculum and prioritize community-building among faculty, staff, and a cohort of students.”

LCs typically have students co-enroll in two to three courses to build community. Often, LCs are offered for first-year students so they can meet other students, connect with faculty, and become familiar with campus resources and programs. Faculty collaborate to identify a common theme or big questions students address throughout the semester and integrate the knowledge and skills they learn from their LC courses while addressing the LC theme. This allows for in-depth analysis of topics that extends beyond one class. Political Science is an ideal class for learning communities because the course connects with many other academic disciplines. Additionally, LCs often partner with co-curricular programs (such as the library, writing center, student affairs) and this is an additional way to help students succeed.

This presentation will explore the establishment and benefits of learning communities within political science and aims to facilitate an exchange of ideas and experiences among political scientists interested in enhancing the learning environment for our students.

The goals for the presentation are to
•Define and discuss the concept of learning communities in the context of political science.
•Provide some examples of learning communities in political science.
•Discuss effective teaching strategies for creating and sustaining learning communities.
•Identify opportunities for collaboration among faculty and co-curricular partners.
•Answer questions about LCs.

Author

• Juan Carlos Huerta, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi