What is a learning community? As the concept will be applied here, two classes -- Philosophy 100 & History 112 -- jointly examine controversial themes and significant conceptions, one class after the other: the classes are separated by 45 minutes. The integration of these classes invites a community of students and teachers to inquire more deeply, take more views into account, and to share findings, questions, methods and challenges.

        Learning communities cultivate intellectual relationships.   Students talk about ideas, and learn from each other as well as learn from books, instructors and personal reflection. To fulfill Abelard's Master Key of Wisdom -- the idea of a "persistent and frequent questioning" -- sometimes it takes two. Or more.  Inquiry implies relationship, just as communication usually requires two. Or more. So involvement not only helps each individual, but has the potential to take the group further and further in the Life of the Mind.

       This involvement in educational material, in ideas, and in each other's ideas creates a confidence in each student as a deep engagement in education emerges.  As students begin to "own" their education, the need is apparent to inculcate questions and related research skills in order that students continue the intellectual journey, rather than anyone (including teachers) think, "Ah, .... I have arrived!" The continued journey requires investment, an investment that has many rewards as the process of discovery continues, and continues with friends to share the discoveries with.

       Another idea behind learning communities is that more help is present and available -- help from other students and/or faculty in one or the other class, help from frequent meetings with other students, help from relationships forged.

HOW   TO  &   RESOURCES