Department of Aerospace Engineering

AER E Learning Community

What is a Learning Community?

Students work together in the learning community.

A learning community (LC) is a small group of students who take two or more common courses. Some Learning Communities that live in the residence halls are called residential learning communities.  The Aerospace Engineering Learning Community is non-residential, meaning that students involved do not have a common living space.  This learning community has common academic courses that students take preparing students for their second year of college and beyond.  A learning community is also a way to interact with others who have similar academic interests, to learn together, and to enhance your experience at Iowa State.

Iowa State's learning community program was ranked in the top 25 in the nation by U.S.News and World Report in 2005.

Peer Mentors

Peer mentors are upper class students who serve as advisors to LC teams. Peer mentors work with LC teams on class projects, guiding you in good decision-making and in learning how to work together. They assist you in organizing your study teams and coach you in time management, productive study habits, and using university resources. They provide a voice of experience and can consult with you individually.

Benefits of a Learning Community

Ten years of learning community research here at Iowa State tells us that students involved in learning communities are more likely to continue their education at Iowa State and are more satisfied with their academic experience.

You'll tackle professional skills early in the college career through the learning community. In the learning community, you'll start

  • building your project management skills,
  • developing heightened critical thinking and problem-solving skills,
  • strengthening your teamwork and leadership skills, and
  • cultivating communication skills.

Being in a learning community can help you manage your schedule and time by providing structure and building connections with your classmates, but it shouldn't take away from your free time. Three hours a week on average can be expected.

With the guidance of peer mentors, the friendships with other Aerospace Engineering students, and the supportive study atmosphere, students appreciate being in the community.

For More Information

Contact John Jacobson, jacobson@iastate.edu, for more information.