A Case Study of Learning Community Curriculum Models Implemented in Business Programs in Three Public Community Colleges in Ohio

Ohio needs to increase the number of college-educated citizens to improve the state’s economy and to remain competitive in the global economy. The Ohio Board of Regents challenged colleges to develop better methods of retaining students to increase graduation rates. Learning community curriculum models have been used to restructure the curriculum, student learning, and the classroom environments to improve student persistence and academic achievement. However, there is limited research on how learning communities are used in business programs in community colleges. This multi-case study examines how three learning community curriculum models have changed the learning environment and the findings provide a comprehensive, contextually rich description of each learning community based on an insider’s perspective. A document analysis, three classroom observation, and interviews with 34 participants were included in the multi-case study. The findings show how learning communities facilitate student involvement and social and academic integration, and describe best practices of learning communities in community colleges.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Judith Herb College of Education

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Toledo

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Wood, Vicky L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Meabon, David

• Adult Education
• learning community
• two-year colleges
• involvement
• active learning

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1351284644

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:toledo1351284644