Learning Communities

Learning Communities — Are a Practical Way to Learn

Say you’re learning how to structure a research paper in your English composition class. Now say you have a paper due in Western Civilization on the development of the European government. Wouldn’t it be convenient to write one paper and get credit for both classes? Well, that’s the concept of a Learning Community – to coordinate what you’re learning in one class and apply it to another. What a practical way to learn and complete your class requirements!

Learning Communities give added meaning to your college experience. The program takes apparently unrelated courses and links them together with a common theme and team of instructors. Professors coordinate so that each knows what the other is teaching and they work together to tie themes into relevant reading and writing assignments.

Things YOU need to know about Learning Communities (LCs)

LCs are NOT harder, BUT they are BETTER because one course in a LC supports the othercourse(s). Professors work together to coordinate assignments, content, and improve crossover learning between the courses.
In a learning community, you stilltake the same courses you need for your degree or program; that is, there are no wasted courses/credits.
It doesn’t cost any more to take a learning community.
You’ll get to know other students better and faster.
You’ll likely get better grades in your LC classes and you will get a better start on your college education.
Convenience, for example courses are schedule to meet back-to-back on the same days or the week or at the same time on alternate days of the week.
You are encouraged to register for a learning community in your first semester at the college. There are opportunities, but no obligation, to continue for more than one semester.
If you come to Reynolds, you have the option of registering for a LC; if you were attending a four-year college or university, chances are very high you would be enrolled in a learning community.

Student Testimonials

Both classes in my Learning Community can be used to satisfy core degree requirements in a college transfer program which was THE deciding factor in my decision to enroll. I work full time and have to make the most of my class time—the Learning Community was a neat way to meet my needs. -Reynolds Student, Christine Kroeger

Learning Communities bring together classes with two totally different subjects. By bringing together art and history, I was able to study how the cultural events that were occurring during a certain time influenced the art of that time period. Also having recently moved to Richmond, I enjoyed making some new friends. -Reynolds Student, Jessica Buckman

Spring 2010 Learning Community Courses include: [back to top]

Getting a Clue!
This learning community will help you make those critical life choices (like picking a major, a career, or a transfer college) by teaching you how to set goals, improve productivity, and develop the habits needed to ensure success in school and in life. This learning community, linking ENG111-03CP and SDV100-03CP, is offered at the Parham Road Campus. English blends on-campus meetings with online activities and assignments. Students need to have basic computer skills.

Linked courses include:
English Composition I – ENG 111 (64872) 03CP T 3crs. 9:30-10:45AM Brandon Rm 1A&B, PRC-Bldg R22
AND
College Success Skills – SDV 100 (61610) 03CP Th 1cr. 9:20-10:50AM Morrison Rm 1A&B, PRC-Bldg R22

Getting a Clue II
This learning community links ENG112-06CP with PSY201-06CP (Intro to Psychology – a transferable elective/requirement for most majors). This is a great follow up to Clue I (see above) but new students are also welcome.

Linked courses include:
English Composition II – ENG 112 (64957) 06CP M W F 3crs. 12:00-12:50PM McCrimmon Rm 2A&B, PRC-Bldg R24
AND
Introduction to Psychology – PSY 210 (59818) 06CP M W F 3crs. 11:00-11:50AM Cline Rm 2A&B, PRC-Bldg R24

College Reading/Reading College
Need a little brushing up on your reading skills and techniques? Reading skills could be the make it or break it factor to your college career, ditto life in general. If you have a placement recommendation of ENG04, this linkage (learning community) between any Parham Road section of ENG04 and SDV100-05CP will help to insure your success in mastering these critical skills.

Linked courses include:
College Success Skills – SDV 100 (65449) 05CP T 1cr. 12:30-1:45PM Shutt Rm 342, PRC-Georgiadis Hall
AND
Reading Improvement I – ENG 4 (register for ANY ONE of the following sections)
60441 01PR M W F 5crs. 8:00-9:25AM Nance Rm 339, PRC-Georgiadis Hall
60423 02PR M W F 5crs. 9:30-10:55AM Nance Rm 339, PRC-Georgiadis Hall
60453 03PR T Th 5crs. 8:30-10:45AM Creel Rm 117, PRC-Burnette Hall
61338 04PR M W F 5crs. 8:00-9:25AM Williams Rm 343, PRC-Georgiadis Hall
61340 05HP M W 5crs. 11:00-11:50AM Hibbison Rm 105, PRC-Burnette Hall
Section 05HP Basic computer skills required. Hybrid section with on-campus class meetings and online assignments. Required on-campus meeting every Monday and Wednesday.
60425 81PR M W 5crs. 7:00-9:15PM Offutt Rm 343, PRC-Georgiadis Hall
61347 82PR T Th 5crs. 7:00-9:15PM Huerbin Rm 331, PRC-Georgiadis Hall

Conquering College Math- PRISMM Plus
Make your SDV requirement work for you! Is math not your forte? If not, try signing up for one of the SDV sections especially designed to help you progress through college math. PRISMM (modularized developmental math - which most students will complete in less time anyway) is linked up with SDV100 (College Success Skills). You can register for any developmental math course with a PRISMM designation and a specially designated section of SDV100. Offered at both Parham Road and Downtown campuses.

Linked courses include:
College Success Skills – SDV 100 (60305) 01CP Th 1cr. 1:00-2:30PM Morrison Rm 1A&B, PRC-Bldg R21
Or SDV 100 (60315) 02CP W 1cr. 12:00-1:30PM Herndon Rm 1A&B, PRC-Bldg R21
Or SDV 100 (61616) 09CD T 1cr. 1:00-2:30PM Morrison Rm 421, DTC
AND
PRISMM – see Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes and select any section of developmental math with a PRISMM designation

Computing & Composing - Preparing for Learning On-Line
More than 20% of students in US colleges are taking at least one online course and the numbers are growing. So you might as well get ready! This learning community links the college’s computer literacy requirement for all students (ITE115-02CP) with ENG111-05CP. Both courses blend on-campus meetings with online activities and assignments..

Linked courses include:
English Composition I – ENG 111 (57608) 05CP Th 3crs. 9:30-10:45AM Pallay Rm 223, PRC-Massey LTC
AND
Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts– ITD 115 (58868) 02CP T 3crs. 9:30-10:45AM Maher Rm 223, PRC-Massey LTC

Early Childhood-Distance Learners’ Community
This clever learning community draws upon the students and faculty from two distance education courses focusing on using audiovisuals and computer software in the early childhood classroom and as an administrative tool; and the expectations and demands of being an administrator of child development centers. Linked courses include, Both courses in this learning community are distance learning Internet courses that include a scheduled on-campus meeting Jan. 9, 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m. (DTC) Room 380. This learning community is appropriate if you are planning to pursue a certificate or degree in Early Childhood Education.

Linked courses include:
Administration of Childcare Programs - CHD 270 (64336) DL01 3crs. Larue
AND
Audiovisual Materials & Computer Software - EDU 225(57380) DL01 3crs Larue

Global Boundaries-Global Connections II
Here’s the venue for those of you who want to gain a wider understanding of different cultures, and who want to improve your ability to overcome the boundaries (whether based on geography, language, culture, economics, etc.) which can separate you from others. This Parham Road Campus based learning community provides a wonderful follow up to Connections I but new students are also welcome. Both courses in this learning community blend on-campus meetings with online activities and assignments. Students need to have basic computer skills.

Linked courses include:
English Composition II – ENG 112 (57568) 15CP Th 3crs. 1:00-2:15PM Brandon Rm 209, PRC-Burnette Hall
AND
History of World Civilization II – HIS 112 (65607) 15CP T 3crs 1:00-2:15PM deMayo Rm 209, PRC-Burnette Hall

Science & SDV LC for Pre-Nursing & Allied Health Majors
NAS162 (Health Science II) is required for Nursing and Respiratory Therapy majors. SDV100 (College Success Skills) is a requirement for all Reynolds students. This learning community enables you to complete both the science and SDV requirements in a Downtown Campus Saturday-only, plus on-line format (SDV100-DL02 is an on-line, distance education course customized to support NAS162).

Linked courses include:
Health Science II – NAS 162 (64435) 91CD S 4crs. 9:00-2:40PM Montpetit Rm 626, DTC
AND
College Success Skills – SDV 100 (60249) DL02 1cr. Havens A distance learning Internet course. Students should check the Blackboard site at: http://learn.vccs.edu beginning January 11th for course orientation and other information.

See the Pictures – Hear the Stories II
Did you ever wonder about the genesis of works which come to be recognized as “art”? Does “art” spring forth serendipitously and spontaneously? Do historical events shape architecture, statues and pictures that diverse cultures have produced? Linked courses include ART102-05CP (History & Appreciation of Art II) and HIS102-05CP (History of Western Civilization II). This is a follow up learning community to See the Picture – Hear the Stories I, however new students are also welcome.

Linked courses include:
History & Appreciation of Art II - ART 102 (56634) 05CP T Th 3crs. 1:00-2:15PM Steele Rm 218, PRC-Massey LTC
AND
History of Western Civilization II - HIS 102 (57966) 05CP M W F 3crs. 1:00-1:50PM Knight Rm 220, PRC-Massey LTC

Self & Society(The Liberal Arts & Allied Health Electives Learning Community)
This linkage will appeal to you, if you are considering a career in one of the allied health technologies and/or if you plan to eventually transfer and complete a four-year program. This learning community links two of our most popular electives. Your benefits include convenient, back-to-back scheduling, learning activities which emphasize connections between the two disciplines, closer connections with your fellow students and a well-seasoned faculty team teaching the learning community.

Linked courses include:
Introduction to Psychology – PSY 201 (59800) 01CD T Th 3 11AM-12:15PM Pinney Rm 339, DTC
AND
Principles of Sociology -.SOC 200 (64128) 01CD T Th 3 9:30-10:45AM Plume Rm 456, DTC

Urban Teacher Learning Community
Are you interested in education? Then this late afternoon/evening learning community is your ticket! Courses include Eng111-81CP linked up with SDV107-03CP (Career Education customized for students going into teaching). Meets at the Parham Road Campus.

Linked courses include:
English Composition I – ENG 111 (57642) 81CP M W 3crs. 5:30-6:45PM Westfall Rm 117, PRC-Massey LTC
AND
Career Education – SDV 107 (60261) 03CP M 2crs. 7:00-8:15PM Hasley Rm TBA, To Be Announced

Web Rhetoric: Writing & Designing for the Web and Life
In this learning community, you will learn to code and develop Web pages to fulfill the requirements of ITD110-01CD (Web Page Design) while developing an e-portfolio of personal and academic writing to fulfill the requirements of ENG112-21CD (College Composition II). Writing and designing content for Web pages will also be a focus of the learning community. This Downtown Campus based learning community includes blended on-campus meetings with online activities and assignments. Students need to have basic computer skills.

Linked courses include:
English Composition II – ENG 112 (57550) 21CD Th 3 1:00-2:15PM Pallay Rm 462B, DTC
AND
Web Page Design I - IDT 110 (58846) 01CD T 3crs. 1:00-2:15PM Andrews Rm 462B, DTC