Welcome to the Block: Developing Freshman Learning Communities That Work

Abstract

To assist incoming freshmen to integrate into the academic environment, improve social acclimation, and increase student retention, Northern Michigan University created a First Year Experience (FYE) Program which has community as its central focus. The key to the success of NMU's program is the use of block scheduling which combines a freshman seminar course with other classes. These blocks or freshman learning communities provide a wide range of benefits. Evaluation results from three years of the pilot program demonstrate marked improvements in student performance and retention. The article closes with a review of the benefits of blocking and cites future implications.