Evaluation of a Baccalaureate Social Work Learning Community

Abstract

First- year learning communities are a trend in higher education, with groups of first-year baccalaureate students taking two or more first- semester courses together and spending time in various activities with faculty and fellow students. This cohort model emphasizes the value of a sense of community and fosters a supportive social and academic environment. Although the positive impact of first- year learning communities has been well documented, less is known about the impact of learning communities on academic outcomes and the implications for BSW education. This quantitative study including open- ended questions extends an understanding of how college experiences and educational achievement differ by participation in a social work learning community. Results indicated that participation in a social work learning community was significantly related to higher GPAs. The preliminary findings of this study add to the overall knowledge of a learning community model applicable to baccalaureate social work freshmen.