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Why Enroll in a Themed Learning Community?

BENEFITS OF TLCs

Higher Grade Point Average: Students participating in TLCs earn GPAs that are .2 higher than non-TLC students. After two years at NIU, students that participated in the 2010 TLCs have an average GPA of 2.88, while non-TLC students earned a GPA of 2.68. (See graphs below.)

This picture displays that first-year students enrolled in a TLC in 2010 have a GPA that is .2 higher than non-TLC students after two years at NIU.
This picture displays that first-years students enrolled in a TLC in 2011 earned a GPA at least .2 higher than non-TLC students.

 

Higher Retention Rates: Students participating in TLCs have a greater likelihood of enrolling in classes the following semester compared to non-TLC students. After four semesters at NIU, students who participated in a TLC had a 9% higher retention rate compared to those students not enrolled in a TLC. (See graphs below.)


This picture shows that students enrolled in a TLC in 2010 had consistently higher retention rates compared to students not enrolled in a TLC.
This picture shows that students who participated in a TLC in 2011 had a 4% higher retention rate compared to those students not enrolled in a TLC.

 

Small Classes: 25 students per course

Academic Success Skills: higher attendance, increased class participation, study habits, etc.

Peer Leader: work with an upper classmen during study sessions to prepare for exams, complete homework, etc.

Hands-on-Learning: field trips, speakers, etc.

 

Check out the TLC Fact Sheet!