Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

EdD

College

College of Education and Human Services

Department

Curriculum & Instruction/Literacy Studies

Committee Chair

Ron Iannone.

Abstract

This study follows the progress of 19 students who enrolled in a course cluster learning community at Garrett College in the fall of 2002. The purposes of the study were to determine if participation in a learning community experience at Garrett College would have a positive impact on students' academic achievement, attitude toward education, and retention, with outcomes to determine whether Garrett College should launch a learning community initiative. Results were garnered from interviews with 15 of the 19 students and an examination of academic records of all 19 students. The study suggests that learning community participation at Garrett College does foster high retention rates, high academic achievement, and positive attitudes toward education. Emergent themes suggest that changes in pedagogy should include more collaborative and student-centered learning opportunities and that supportive communication helps students to adjust to college.

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