Small-group learning in the community college classroom

Community colleges — institutions that serve disproportionate numbers of poor, working-class, first-generation, nontraditional, and minority students — are uniquely positioned to provide liberating educational experiences to a diverse spectrum of society. Cross (2000) aptly describes the current interest in cooperative and/or collaborative learning with a metaphor: “a swelling river of interest . . . with four identifiable streams of thought” (pp. 5-6). These streams, undeniably grounded in changes in society, are the Stream of Belonging, the Stream of Career Preparation, the Stream of Deep Learning, and the Stream of Diversity. The article borrows Cross’ metaphor to examine the need for and effectiveness of various small-group learning activities within community colleges. Finally, the authors discuss potential obstacles to implementation of these activities. David Hennessy Ruby Evans