Faculty interested in integrative learning and collaborative curriculum development are invited to submit a proposal to participate in the Fall 2017-Winter 2018 phase of Dawson’s Learning Community project.  Proposals must be submitted to Maxwell Jones (OAD) by Thursday, May 18, and should be kept to a single page that addresses in specifics the criteria below.  6-7 teachers may receive release for F17 or W18, depending on the distribution of ECQ funding and the proposed launch dates for pilot courses.  Department chairs, program coordinators and Deans must be informed of your application.  Proposals are reviewed by Ian MacKenzie (Project Lead), Chris Adam and Diane Gauvin.

Context
Learning Communities are identified in Dawson’s new Strategic Plan 2016-2020 as one of several approaches to the successful development of the 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 F2016 and W2017 course development, 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 F17 or W18 semesters.  Faculty collaborate on course and assignment development, and on-line writing will document both the process and products.  Work culminates with the completion of new paired/linked courses; or a new course cluster; or a new stand-alone course with integrated co-curricular activities.  The goal is to pilot these new learning communities in W18 or F19.

Proposal Criteria
1. Names and departments/programs of 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/question/topic as framework for 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.