What is the ELC?

Overview

First-year, full-time students who are planning to become teachers will have the opportunity in 2008-2009 to participate in an Education Learning Community. A learning community is a cluster of courses for a specific cohort of students with common interests. The faculty in the linked courses work collaboratively to plan an integrated experience for the students. Students who participate in learning communities are more successful academically, are more likely to be retained, are more involved in their studies and the campus, and show more intellectual growth than similar students who do not participate in learning communities.

Students who elect to participate in the 2008-2009 Education Learning Community (ELC) will be required to take two linked courses that will be restricted to participants in the ELC in Fall 2008. Because they will be in the same two courses with the other ELC participants, students will get well-acquainted with their classmates in the ELC. They will be able to form study groups, work together on projects, attend activities and social events together, and have common experiences both inside and outside of classes.

The instructors for the linked courses will work together to plan assignments and projects as well as to integrate experiences for ELC students. In addition, they will plan outside activities and events, including social events, field trips, and one or more service projects related to education.