Download or read book Building and Sustaining Learning Communities written by Sandra N. Hurd and published by Jossey-Bass. This book was released on 2004-03-15 with total page 286 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learning communities are small groups of students who come together with faculty and student affairs professionals to engage in common learning experiences. In Building and Sustaining Learning Communities, the authors, along with many of their colleagues, describe the rationale for learning communities, particularly in a large university; the process for setting them up; and reflections on these unique environments. After reading this book, administrators and faculty members will know precisely why they are worth considering and how to successfully create them. Part I of the book demonstrates the theoretical benefits of learning communities and then discusses various issues involved in the planning and implementation of the communities, including: Building learning community relationships within the university and among participants Strategies for collaboration Developing a learning community curriculum Course structure within learning communities Assessing learning communities Institutional challenges Part II details the experiences of faculty and students involved in Syracuse University's learning communities, including arts, citizenship, education, interprofessional, leadership, management, multicultural, online learning, and wellness. This book is a fascinating and practical guide for all readers interested in building and sustaining learning communities.