Student Evaluation of a Learning Community Model Adapted to Student and Curriculum Needs

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience education
• Higher education curriculum development

Background:

• The Neuroscience Learning Community (LC) at Stonehill College originated in response to the 2008 recession, aiming to provide high-impact learning experiences with limited resources.
• Initial models required significant credit hours and time, necessitating curriculum adjustments to meet evolving student needs and institutional requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report student evaluations of an updated Neuroscience LC model.
• To assess the effectiveness of a revised model that reduced credit hours and time commitment.
• To maintain community-based learning and faculty collaboration while ensuring high standards for fundamental neuroscience topics.

Main Methods:

• The study involved adapting the existing Neuroscience LC curriculum.
• Changes included reducing credit hours and time requirements.
• New faculty expertise, collaborations, and community partnerships were leveraged.

Main Results:

• Student evaluations indicated a positive reception to the updated Neuroscience LC model.
• Students reported enhanced understanding of core neuroscience concepts.
• The revised model successfully retained community-based learning and faculty collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The updated Neuroscience LC model is effective in delivering fundamental neuroscience education.
• The program successfully balances reduced credit hours with valuable learning experiences.
• Students recognized the relevance of neuroscience concepts and their impact on the world.