Themed Learning Communities IUPUI HIgh-Impact Practice Taxonomy

Abstract

A themed learning community (TLC) at IUPUI is a first-year seminar and two discipline-based courses linked by a theme that a group of 25 freshmen enroll in as a cohort. Themed learning communities enhance student learning by cultivating interdisciplinary understanding and integrative learning. The theme of each learning community provides a foundation for curricular connections between disciplines, and out-of-classroom experiences enhance the academic experience. The faculty team collaborates to create an integrative, supportive, and challenging learning environment designed to support first-year students, furthering IUPUI's mission of undergraduate student learning and success and community engagement through collaboration across disciplines.

Purpose This Themed Learning Communities High-Impact Practice Taxonomy seeks to clearly define what makes a themed learning community at IUPUI a different student and faculty experience than the same courses taken and taught individually. Additionally, the taxonomy aims to: 1. Provide guidance for themed learning community teams in planning, developing, implementing, and reflecting on their work; 2. Provide direction to the Themed Learning Communities program for faculty development; and 3. Provide a tool for encouraging program fidelity.