Learning Community and Nonlearning Community Students in a Midwestern Community College

The research on learning communities has focused primarily on students at four-year colleges and universities. There is a dearth of studies that examine learning communities in community colleges. The purpose of this comparative study was to conduct an analysis of learning community and nonlearning community students in a community college located in the upper Midwest. An online survey instrument was developed to collect data on a number of dimensions including background characteristics, perception of the community college environment, academic experience and level of engagement, academic involvement, overall knowledge, and satisfaction. This article reports quantitative findings that are the first phase of a multiphase study. The descriptive comparative study highlights results of learning community and nonlearning community students. The findings suggest differences between the two groups on a number of dimensions. The authors conclude the article by addressing implications for practice, policy, and future research.