Credit Course Schedules - J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Learning Communities — Are a Practical Way to Learn

A learning community is when two (or more) course sections in the same semester are linked together and the same students enroll in both course sections. Professors work together to coordinate assignments, content, and improve crossover learning between the courses. Classes are typically back-to-back, or at the same time on alternating days.

Say you’re learning how to structure a research paper in your English composition class. Now say you have a paper due in Western Civilization on the development of the European government. Wouldn’t it be convenient to write one paper and get credit for both classes? Well, that’s the concept of a Learning Community – to coordinate what you’re learning in one class and apply it to another. What a practical way to learn and complete your class requirements!

Learning Communities give added meaning to your college experience. The program takes apparently unrelated courses and links them together with a common theme and team of instructors. Professors coordinate so that each knows what the other is teaching and they work together to tie themes into relevant reading and writing assignments.

Things YOU need to know about Learning Communities (LCs)

LCs are NOT harder, BUT they are BETTER because one course in a LC supports the other course(s). Professors work together to coordinate assignments, content, and improve crossover learning between the courses.
In a learning community, you still take the same courses you need for your degree or program; that is, there are no wasted courses/credits.
>> See the guide for transferring LC courses
It doesn’t cost any more to take a learning community.
You’ll get to know other students better and faster.
You’ll likely get better grades in your LC classes and you will get a better start on your college education.
Convenience; for example, courses are schedule to meet back-to-back on the same days or the week or at the same time on alternate days of the week.
You are encouraged to register for a learning community in your first semester at the college. There are opportunities, but no obligation, to continue for more than one semester.
If you come to Reynolds, you have the option of registering for a LC; if you were attending a four-year college or university, chances are very high you would be enrolled in a learning community.

Student Success & Reynolds Learning Communities

Multiple studies in higher education over the past 30 years show higher rates of student retention, improved student GPAs, and higher levels of student satisfaction as the result of participation in learning communities.

Comparable studies at Reynolds have obtained similar positive outcomes.

Student Testimonials

Both classes in my Learning Community can be used to satisfy core degree requirements in a college transfer program which was THE deciding factor in my decision to enroll. I work full time and have to make the most of my class time—the Learning Community was a neat way to meet my needs. -Reynolds Student, Christine Kroeger

Learning Communities bring together classes with two totally different subjects. By bringing together art and history, I was able to study how the cultural events that were occurring during a certain time influenced the art of that time period. Also having recently moved to Richmond, I enjoyed making some new friends. -Reynolds Student, Jessica Buckman

More courses . . . Less class time! - Reynolds Student, Katy Dunn

Courses are easier to deal with because they are linked together. – Reynolds Student, Kelly McIntosh

Spring 2012 Learning Community Courses include:
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Getting a Clue* – Reynolds’ Freshman Seminar - This learning community will help you make those critical life choices (like picking a major, a career, or a transfer college) by teaching you how to set goals, improve productivity, and develop the habits needed to ensure success in school and in life. “Clue,” linking ENG111 and SDV 100, was recently awarded the Virginia Community College System’s first-place honorsfor Excellence in Education. Students interested in this Learning Community must register for both course sections. You have a choice of selecting from eight sections of this learning community as follows,

PARHAM ROAD CAMPUS “CLUES”
¨ CLUE #1

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), section 01CP, T, 11-12:15 p.m., Prof Brownhill

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), section 01CP, Th, 11-12:30 p.m., Prof Ratliff

This is a hybrid learning community which combines in-class instruction with online assignments to replicate the experience of taking an online course while providing support and instruction in how to succeed as an online learner.

¨ CLUE #2

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), section 02CP, M & W, 1-2:15 p.m., Prof Bourne

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), section 02CP, F, 1-2:30 p.m., Prof Morrison

DOWNTOWN CAMPUS “CLUES”
¨ CLUE #3

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), section 01CD, T & Th, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Prof Walsh

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), section 01CD, T, 8-9:30 a.m. Prof Waitkus

Computer Skills & College Success*– College success in the 21st Century demands that students use the computer as a tool for research, writing, organizing, computing and presenting. The quicker you begin to sharpen these skills, the better your ability to tackle additional academic undertakings; this is the role of ITE 115 in this learning community. However, skills for college success certainly don’t end with the computer as a whole array skills need to be aligned with your college career. Study skills, learning styles, budgeting, time management and knowing where to go for help – all influence overall success and this is where SDV 100 picks up with the learning activities. ITE 115 is a full semester (16 weeks) course. After the first eight weeks in ITE 115, you’ll begin SDV 100 (an eight-week course, beginning in March) which will include class assignments that will exercise and strengthen your expanding computer skills. Students must register for both course sections. There are two (2) scheduling options for this learning community,

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), section 05CP, W, 2:15-3:45 p.m., Prof Tyson,

AND

ITE 115 Intro to Computer Applications & Concepts (3 cr.) section 08HP, M, 2:30-3:45 p.m. (students may substitute section 07HP, which meets on Mondays, 1-2:15 p.m. for section 08HP), Prof Wagner, Parham Road Campus

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), section DL08, Prof Buchanan-Foster (This is a distance learning course. Students should check the Blackboard site at: http://learn.vccs.edu beginning March 6th for course orientation and other information.)

AND

ITE 115 Intro to Computer Applications & Concepts (3 cr.) section DL01, Prof Bottom (This is a distance learning course. Students should check the Blackboard site at: http://learn.vccs.edu beginning January 9th for course orientation and other information.)

Computing & Composing* - Preparing for Learning On-Line* - More than 20% of students in US colleges are taking at least one online course and that number is growing. So you might as well get ready! When ITE 115 is linked to the content and learning activities of English 111 to form a learning community (LC), this linkage strengthens students’ attainment of the learning objectives because the learning activities in both courses are mutually supportive. Students interested in this Learning Community must register for both of the following course sections.

Computing & Composing @ PARHAM ROAD CAMPUS

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), section 03CP, Th, 11-12:15 p.m., Professor Brandon

AND

ITE 115 Information Technology Essentials (3cr.), section 01CP, T, 11-12:15 p.m., Professor Maher

This is a hybrid learning community which combines in-class instruction with online assignments to replicate the experience of taking an online course while providing support and instruction in how to succeed as an online learner.

Computing & Composing @ DOWNTOWN CAMPUS

ENG 111 College Composition (3cr.), section 02CD, T & Th, 11-12:15 p.m., Prof TBA

AND

ITE 115 Information Technology Essentials (3cr.), section 01CD, T & Th, 11:00-12:15 p.m., Prof Thomas

Conquering College Math* – Make your SDV requirement work for you! Is math not your forte? If not, try signing up for one of the SDV sections especially designed to help you progress through college math. PRISMM (modularized developmental math - which most students will complete in less time anyway) is linked up with SDV100 (College Success Skills). Register for any of the following developmental math courses - BSK 1, MTE 1, MTE 2, MTE 3, or MTE 7and a specially designated section of SDV100. Offered at both Parham Road and Downtown campuses, as follows,

Register for any section of - BSK 1, MTE 1, MTE 2, MTE 3, or MTE 7

AND

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), section 02CD, Tuesdays, 8-9:30 a.m. Prof Wilkerson, Downtown Campus

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), section 03CP, Fridays, 8:30--10 a.m., Prof Goldsborough, Parham Road Campus

SDV 100 College Success Skills (1cr.), section 04, CP, Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Prof Shutt, Parham Road Campus (note: this is a 2nd eight week session class beginning in March and ending in May)

Early Childhood Reading and Language Arts* - This learning community will interest students pursuing studies related to the care, supervision, education, and development of young children from birth to age twelve and is appropriate if you are planning to pursue a certificate or degree in Early Childhood Education. Registration in both of the following courses is strongly recommended. ). Meets at Reynolds’ Ginter Park Center, 3400 Brook Road. For more information about classes at the Ginter Park Center see http://www.reynolds.edu/_locations/

CHD 118 Language Arts for Young Children (3cr.), section 01CG, M & W, 10-12:40 p.m., Prof Coates, This is an eight-week class beginning on 01/09/12 and ending on 03/05/12

AND

CHD 119 Intro to Reading Methods (3crs.), section 01CG, M & W 10-12:40 p.m., Prof Coats. This is an eight-week class beginning on 03/07/12 and ending on 05/07/12.

Self & Society* (Pre-Nursing & Allied Health Learning Community) – This linkage will appeal to those of you who are considering a career in nursing or another allied health technology field. The learning community will highlight the use of current models, theories, and techniques to equip students with the concepts and skills to better understand individual development in a social context across the lifespan. Students interested in this Learning Community must register for both course sections. There are three (3) different schedules options to take this popular learning community, all meeting at Reynolds’ Ginter Park Center, 3400 Brook Road. For more information about classes at the Ginter Park Center see http://www.reynolds.edu/_locations/

SOC 200 Principles of Sociology (3cr.), section 01CG, M & W, 10-11:15 a.m., Prof Plume

AND

PSY 230 Developmental Psychology (3 cr.) section 01CG, M & W, 11:30-12:45 p.m., Prof Pinney

SOC 200 Principles of Sociology (3cr.), section 02CG, M & W, 11:30-12:45 p.m., Prof Plume

AND

PSY 230 Developmental Psychology (3 cr.) section 02CG, M & W, 1:00-2:15 p.m., Prof Pinney

SOC 200 Principles of Sociology (3cr.), section 03CG, T & Th, 3-4:14 p.m., Prof Martin

AND

PSY 230 Developmental Psychology (3 cr.) section 03CG, T & Th, 1:30-2:45 p.m., Prof Gruszkos

Teacher Prep Learning Community* - Are you thinking about teaching, but not quite sure? Then this late afternoon/evening learning community is your ticket! Professors include a current principal and an assistant principle teaching English Composition (required in majority of college majors) linked with Orientation to Teacher Preparation (substitutes for SDV 100 – again a requirement for the majority of college majors). Whether you decide to become a teacher or not, you will be glad to have been part of the Teacher Prep Learning Community. Students interested in this Learning Community must register for both course sections. Course meetings take place at the Parham Road Campus. Students must register for the following course sections.

SDV 101 Orientation to Teacher Preparation (2cr.), section 81CP, Mondays, 5:25-7:00 p.m., Prof Hines

AND

ENG 111 College Composition I (3cr.), section 81CP, Mondays, 7:00-9:40 p.m., Prof Roane

2nd Semester Learning Communities – one target audience for these LCs are students who took a LC in the fall and wish to continue with the linked courses format. Students who have successfully completed ENG 111 but did not participate in a Fall LC are also welcome.

The core strategy for each of these learning communities is to extend ENG 112 learning outcomes to help it serve as a support course for other, linked courses with historically lower success/pass rates. By focusing learning outcomes in ENG 112 to include group work, class discussion, and reflective writing on the success skills required in the linked course, improved grades, student satisfaction, and engagement in both of the linked courses should be greatly increased.

Writing in the Social Sciences*(Sociology Option)

ENG 112 College Composition II (3cr.), section 01CP, MW&F, 10-10:50 a.m., Prof Lira, Parham Road Campus

AND

SOC 200 Principles of Sociology (3cr.), section 01CP, MW&F, 11-11:50 a.m., Prof Morrison, Parham Road Campus

Writing in the Social Sciences*(Psychology Option)

ENG 112 College Composition II (3cr.), section 03CP, MW&F, 12-12:50 p.m., Prof Downing-Gardner, Parham Road Campus

AND

PSY 201 Introduction to Psychology, section 01CP, MW&F, 11-11:50 a.m., Prof Cline, Parham Road Campus

Writing in the Biological Sciences* (Biology Option)

ENG 112 College Composition II (3cr.), section 01CD, MW&F, 11-11:50 a.m., Prof Walsh, Downtown Campus,

AND

BIO 102 General Biology II (4cr.), section 01CD, MW&F, 9-9:50 a.m., Prof Upadyaya, Downtown Campus (Lab for BIO 102-01CD meets MW&F, 10-10:50 a.m., same room and professor)

Global Boundaries – Global Connections II* - Here’s the venue for those of you who want to gain a wider understanding of different cultures, and who want to improve your ability to overcome the boundaries (whether based on geography, language, culture, economics, etc.) which can separate you from others. This Parham Road Campus based learning community provides a great follow up to “Connections I” but new students are also welcome.

ENG 112 College Composition II (3cr.), section 02CP, T & Th, 1-2:15 p.m., Prof Brandon, Parham Road Campus

AND

HIS 111 History of World Civilization (3cr.), 15CP, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30-3:45 p.m., Prof DeMayo, Parham Road Campus

* How to Register for a Learning Community Class

Follow the regular instructions for class registration found at http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/jsr_ar/reg.htm

When you or your advisor is entering your course selections to the computer, be sure to add both learning community course section BEFORE you proceed to the next step (i.e., Enrollment Shopping Cart). If you don’t include both courses sections, you will get the following message.

If you do get the above message, go back to the screen where you entered your course selections and enter BOTH of the course sections that comprise the learning community. Then proceed to the next (checkout/payment) steps.

If you are still having trouble with completing your registration, it may be that you haven’t completed one or more of the pre-requisites for the course(s) for which you are trying to enroll . . . or there may be some other glitch. In either event contact or visit a campus Student Success Center for assistance.