Resources

Conferences

Learning Communities are popular at universities across the country. Several institutions spearhead the Learning Community movement to promote new Learning Community concepts.

One of the leading institutions in this area is Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. They host an annual National Summer Institute to explore ways to strengthen learning community programs at colleges and universities across the nation. For more information, please visit the National Summer Institute or email: washcenter@evergreen.edu

Every year, WSU sends a team to the National Learning Community Conference. Amy Cooper has been presenting at the NLCC for the past seven years. You can find more informaiton about the NLCC here: https://www.facebook.com/nlcc.consortium

In June 2008, WSU sent a team to the National Summer Institute for Learning Communities (NSILC). During the conference, the team attended lectures and workshops and worked with learning community experts from around the country to develop a two-year plan for WSU learning communities. An overview is available.

There are several other national conferences that focus on learning communities. More information on some events of note are available at the following websites: www.novemberlearning.com and uc.iupui.edu

Library Reading List

Title: Students Helping Students: A Guide for Peer Educators on College Campuses

Abstract: Many thousands of students are now serving their peer groups in a variety of helping positions on college campuses. Their success as peer counselors is largely dependent upon the skills they developed in training. To be effective, these students must first examine their own personal strengths and weaknesses, know problem-solving strategies, and learn specific helping skills. This book serves as a practical training guide to the essentials of effective peer education.

Authors: F. Newton and S. Ender

Publication: Wiley Publishing (2000)

Title: Ask Powerful Questions; Create Conversations That Matter

Abstract: A guide to building relationships of trust and fostering meaningful (and sometimes difficult) conversations with co-workers, friends, and family. Each chapter gives you immediately practical tools to use in moments of awkward silence, and leaves you with a framework for developing conversations that matter.

Authors: W. Wise and C. Littlefield

Publication: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (2017)

Title: The Mentors' Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships

Abstract: Intended for readers in the business world and in nonprofit and higher education settings, this guide offers a framework for informed mentoring practice. It combines discussion and exercises.

Authors: L. Zachary

Publication: Jossey-Bass (2000)

Title: The Mentees Guide: Making Mentoring Work for You

Authors: L. Zachary and L. Fischler

Publication: Jossey Bass (2009)

Title: Creating a Mentoring Culture the Organization's Guide

Authors: L. Zachary

Publication: Jossey Bass (2011)

Title: Learning Communities in Research Universities
Library Link: http://elibrary.wayne.edu/record=b2968659~S47
Authors: J. O'Connor and J. Anderson
Washington Center for Improving the Quality of Undergraduate Education. 2003

Title: The Powerful Potential of Learning Communities: Improving Education for the Future. View PDF
Abstract: This report examines the importance of learning communities within institutions of higher education. It identifies two important dimensions of learning communities: primary membership and primary form of interaction. Four categories of student learning communities are identified: curricular learning communities, classroom learning communities, residential learning communities, and student-type learning communities. Benefits for students and faculty of effective learning communities are documented and include higher academic achievement, better retention rates, diminished faculty isolation, and increased curricular integration.
Author: Lenning, Oscar T. and Ebbers, Larry H
Publication: ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report, Vol. 26, No. 6.

Title: Learning Communities View PDF
Abstract: This article describes several types of learning communities and explains the benefits to both students and faculty. Fostering workforce skills, encouraging problem-solving skills, and increasing retention and success are some of the benefits for students and faculty.
Author: Dodge, Lucy.
Journal: College Teaching Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Year: 2004
Pages: 150-155

If you are looking for more resources, please contact:

Veronica Beilat
University Libraries
ag6887@wayne.edu