Learning Communities

“Though content may vary… learning communities have three things in common:

shared knowledge around a theme,

shared knowing (each other socially and intellectually),

and shared responsibility (to each other).”

-Vincent Tinto, Syracuse University

At St. Bonaventure University, we value knowledge and community, and we know that when students learn with others that learning is more effective and more meaningful.  We have designed learning communities for our first-year students.  In a learning community, you and a group of other freshmen who have chosen the same (or closely related) major will take two or three courses together.  That will allow you to develop study groups, integrate material from different classes and provide a comfortable, safe environment for exploring new ideas.  Learning Communities enrich your first-year experience.  They help ease the transition from high school style learning to college studying by engaging you actively with your professors and other students as you pursue knowledge. Learning communities help you get to know your fellow students and professors quickly!

It’s about ACADEMIC SUCCESS!

Listen to what first-year students say about their learning communities:

I loved being a part of the Learning Community this semester because I was able to get to know a few of my classmates better than I would have if I only had one class with them. It was also a lot easier to speak out on my opinion or answer questions in class because I knew my peers from having other classes with them. Therefore, I felt comfortable talking in front of them. If I had a question on an assignment, I could ask my peers from the Learning Community at various times in the day when I would see them in other classes. I believe being part of the Learning Community is a great experience for freshman.

-Tabitha Slachciak, Class of 2011

The learning community was a very smart choice for me. I made a lot of close friends because of the courses we took together and it greatly impacted my grades for all three classes. I was able to work with friends and classmates on assignments that were difficult or confusing. Everyone is helpful and understanding. If given the choice, I would definitely do this again!

-Kelly Buchanan, Class of 2011

The classroom was a very comfortable setting and I made a lot of new friends! It was easy to speak out and voice our opinions. 

-Lindsey James, Class of 2011

The learning community has helped me create many new friendships with other education majors. The learning community is great because having the same group of people in class makes class more interesting and comfortable. If I could get into a learning community again, I would do it in a heartbeat.

-Brittany Kentos, Class of 2011