Preface

A couple of years ago, I decided to team-teach with myself. I am certified in both English and Anthropology, and figured that offering Introduction to Socio-Cultural Anthropology in combination with Freshman English would be a natural. If I had the monograph that you now hold in your hands, I'm sure that it would have been a more successful experience! I no longer offer these courses together, due to what Elizabeth Skinner and Geri Rasmussen describe as "administrative challenges", but I have been so inspired by their work that I am planning to try again. I believe this monograph will be of great relevance and assistance to anyone who is planning a learning community, as well as for those who are already involved in one.

In Part I, An Overview of Learning Communities, the authors discuss the educational context in which learning communities have developed, describe the forms that learning communities most commonly take, and outline the challenges and benefits of learning communities for students, faculty, and administrators.

Part II, Examples of Three Different Types of Learning Communities, provides in depth descriptions of the three learning communities the authors have developed at GateWay Community College. This section of the monograph reveals the importance of planning, documentation, and analysis to a successful learning community. Supplementing the text, the authors have developed a number of exceptionally helpful diagrams and tables.

In Part III, Steps for Initiating a Learning Community, the authors provide a three phase implementation strategy for developing a successful learning community. In the appendix following this section, blank frameworks are provided to assist faculty in planning their own learning community.

Liz Warren, Faculty
South Mountain Community College