Learning Communities - A New Way to Learn

“The best way to begin your studies at Cerritos College is to join a Learning    
 Community” - LCP Student

 Experience The Learning Communities at Cerritos College 

The traditional wayStudent presenting to a group

  • Courses are independent.
  • Classes can be large and impersonal, and the significance of courses often is not clear.
  • The focus of courses is on discipline content.
  • Students take classes individually and face a new group of people in each classroom.
  • Students usually study alone.
  • Most course activities, such as reading and listening to lectures, are passive.
  • Finding courses that fulfill the requirements of general education, majors, and professions, while avoiding schedule conflicts, is a chore.
  • Students have little control over their education.


The LCP way

  • Courses are connected by themes, and instructors collaborate to reinforce learning in all of them.
  • A small-class integrates material from all the courses and relates this content to other experiences and methods, different cultures, and contemporary issues.
  • The Learning Communities institution is more than your traditional teacher; he/she will coordinate advising, orientation to the college, and will help you in the development of skills essential for success in college and careers.
  • A group of students takes two or more classes together.
  • Because they become friends, students study in groups and help each other.
  • Activities that engage students are included, e.g. discussions, collaborative research projects, community events, and excursions.
  • Courses that fulfill requirements have been clustered and scheduled at premium times.
  • The Learning Communities provides feedback and participates in the design and implementation of other campus programs.

Benefits to the student

  • Learning and understanding are improved when connections are made among courses and to contexts that are relevant to the learner.
  • Motivation is enhanced, and the experience is more satisfying, when the significance and relevance of a course-of-study are clear.
  • Orientation, advising, and the development of intellectual abilities are more effective in a meaningful and relevant context.
  • Making friends is easy because goals, interests, experiences, and schedules are shared. Part-time students find this feature especially helpful.
  • Perceptions, persistence, and performance are enhanced by studying and working with others.
  • You have more fun, learn about more things, and see how the course content relates to the world outside the classroom.
  • Registration is quick and easy.
    Your interests and needs are incorporated into the course of study.