The Learning Community and Community Learning - SENCER

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007The Learning Communityand Community Learning-- Floyd A. Bednarz ---- Donyel Hobbs Williams ---- Dennis Lehman --Harold Washington College – Chicago, ILPresentation to theSENCER Summer InstituteSunday, August 6, 2007

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007The Learning Communityand Community LearningStrategies to Enhance andPositively Affect the LearningOutcomes of College Studentsin the STEM Disciplines

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007Learning CommunityThe Learning Community consisted of:The Students enrolled in the 4-course 4program(Students had to take all four courses concurrently)The three instructors (coordinating their curricula)The Classroom EnvironmentAncillary to the community:HWC LibraryComputer Facilities

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007Community LearningOutcomesALAMCSeveral students participated as Asthma Educatorsat local Chicago Public Schools.Sierra Club85 clean air questionnaires from students and faculty (completed atthe poster session) submitted to the Illinois Pollution Control Board(IPCB) and incorporated as part of public record. (2/5/2007)Website:http://www.ipcb.state.il.us/cool/external/CaseView2.asp?referer=coolsearch&casecoolsearch&case=R2006-026026

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007ResultsQualitative & AnecdotalStudents felt they had a supportive environment in which to learn.Students reported a better understanding of the science andsocial impacts of Urban Asthma, and several reportednew insights on other current social issues.Student enthusiasm and participation was very evidentwhen planning for and holding poster session in HWC Lobby.As a result of the program, students reported having new-foundconfidence in their knowledge of Urban Asthma and “clean air” issues.Most students reported using their knowledge when talking withfriends and family about Urban Asthma and “clean air” issues.

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007ResultsQuantitativeComparisons of Urban Asthma Program participantswith their peers (general student population) in English coursesAsthmaProgramAll HWCEnglish SectionsEnglish 100 Retention 94% 89%Reading 125 Retention 94% 89%English 100 Pass Rate 75% 63%Reading 125 Pass Rate 94% 71%Placement into English 101 90% 70%

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007Lessons LearnedMeet frequently and coordinate with Program Faculty.(Compare syllabi and schedules to provide seamless instruction.)Meet early and frequently with Community Partners.Set clear requirements, goals and expectationswith Community Partners.Set clear requirements, goals and expectationswith the students, especially community partnering requirements.Have flexibility built into the program and schedules.Make all parties aware that this is a “work in progress.”Utilize current events and opportunities as they present themselves.

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007Lessons LearnedAlert advisors to requirements of the program.(Concurrent registration required in all courses of the program.)Outside-ofof-class“Community Service” requirement must bestated explicitly in the course/program offerings.Start with one simple class project early-on in the semesterto build interest and enthusiasm for larger class project.Show examples of what previous students had done.The Biology class should be taught as a “hands-on” Human Biologylaboratory class to enhance the learning experience in thebiological sciences and provide time for project work.

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007What’s s Next?Bioethics tandem courses taught at HWC Spring 2007HIV/AIDS Program at HWC Fall 2007Focus on Childhood Obesity at HWC Fall 2007Possible Urban Asthma Program at HWC Spring 2008Most Programs supported with SENCER grantsor in-house (college or district) funding.

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007Contact Information:Floyd A. Bednarz - Biology Dept. Room 903312.553.2996 fbednarz@ccc.eduDonyel H. Williams – English Dept. Room 637312.553.3161 dwilliams173@ccc.eduWilliam R. Kelley – Social Science Dept. Room 1021312.553.5749 wkelley@ccc.eduDennis Lehman – Special Assistant to the President312.553.5787 dlehman@ccc.eduHarold Washington College30 East Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60601Thank you for your Interest!

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007Contact Information:Floyd A. Bednarz - Biology Dept. Room 903312.553.2996 fbednarz@ccc.eduDonyel H. Williams – English Dept. Room 637312.553.3161 dwilliams173@ccc.eduWilliam R. Kelley – Social Science Dept. Room 1021312.553.5749 wkelley@ccc.eduDennis Lehman – Special Assistant to the President312.553.5787 dlehman@ccc.eduHarold Washington College30 East Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60601Thank you for your Interest!

SSI 2007 Session V, Sun., Aug., 6, 2007Contact Information:Floyd A. Bednarz - Biology Dept. Room 903312.553.2996 fbednarz@ccc.eduDonyel H. Williams – English Dept. Room 637312.553.3161 dwilliams173@ccc.eduWilliam R. Kelley – Social Science Dept. Room 1021312.553.5749 wkelley@ccc.eduDennis Lehman – Special Assistant to the President312.553.5787 dlehman@ccc.eduHarold Washington College30 East Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60601Thank you for your Interest!