Faculty interested in integrative learning and collaborative curriculum development are invited to submit a brief proposal to participate in the W2017 phase of Learning Community project.  Proposals must be submitted to Ian MacKenzie or Chris Adam by Monday, December 5, and should be kept to a single page addressing the criteria below.  Up to 6 teachers may receive release for W2017, depending on ECQ funding.

Context
Learning Communities are identified in Dawson’s new Strategic Plan 2016-2020 as one of several approaches to the development of learning outcomes contained in the Graduate Profile.  Applicants may find it useful to consider how their proposal touches on one or several of these outcomes.  Applicants can also visit the Learning Communities website to learn more about W2016 course development and F2016 pilots, to read about the background of the learning community model and integrative learning in higher education, or to view the different formats that learning communities can take.

Format and Objectives
Participation is organized around regular meetings over the W2017 semester, where faculty collaborate on course and assignment development.  On-line writing will document both the process and products.  The work culminates in June with the completion of new paired/linked courses; or a new course cluster; or a new course with integrated co-curricular activities.  The goal is to pilot these new learning communities in F2017 or W2018.

Proposal Criteria
1. Faculty members participating in the proposal, and identification of 1-2 teachers who are applying for release as team leaders.
2. The context of the proposed learning community courses (Programs, General Education, certificates or special areas of study) and explanation of how the proposal addresses an important challenge or need within that context.
3. The courses your team plans to develop, and how, in the design of these courses, you plan to address some or all of the following characteristics:

• problem-based theme/issue/topic approach to course content
• interdisciplinary team-teaching pedagogy
• assignments encouraging the integration of student learning across courses/disciplines
• links with campus or community-based co-curricular activities that facilitate experiential learning

Don’t hesitate to contact Ian MacKenzie or Chris Adam with any questions regarding your proposal or the Learning Communities initiative.