An Exploratory Study of Student Learning Community Effectiveness: Design and Implementation Components
Abstract
This exploratory study investigated the impact of a campus-wide student learning communities program on the academic success of first-year students. Results revealed a positive effect of learning community participation on first-year retention and grade point average over the three years studied. A model was developed and used to make subgroup comparisons across learning communities to identify possible design and implementation components that may be most important in driving program success. Results identified four of eight components that may enhance the effectiveness of learning communities. Implications of these findings for theory and practice, as well as recommendations for future research, are discussed.
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