Learning Community – Engagement in Engineering Education

To support meaningful community engagement within and outside the classroom.

Learning communities provide a space for students to be more active within their community while engaging with content and reflection.

community-based learning

Learning communities allow for a shared learning experience that can promote deeper engagement and learning outcomes among students.
Participating in a learning community can support development of students’ social skills as well as promote their confidence and understanding.
Shared learning experiences can motivate students to engage more deeply with the material, as well as take responsibility for their learning.
Actively participating in a learning community can give students a heightened sense of purpose and importance for learning.

In developing a community environment, consider what accessible learning communities might already exist. Could you integrate your classroom into an existing community? Should you start your own community of learning?
Consider methods for making delivery of content collaborative and open for students to share. Try to place emphasis on group learning over individual activities.
Integrate discussion and reflection as regular, key components of the community. Ensure that all students have opportunity to participate in both.
Consider how students’ activities in the community can be assessed. Will there be a merit-based component? Will you include peer assessment?