Creating Learning Communities Across the Lifespan

Incorporating SLI principles into student-family living environments, staff members are challenged to find new ways to meet the needs of preschoolers, single parents, graduate students, and grandparents. However, such a diverse community of learners can academically benefit from initiatives found in traditional residence halls, such as academic theme houses, tutoring programs, supplemental instruction, and residence based computer labs. The programming model presented here demonstrates a commitment to creating a community of learners which is congruent with the SLI perspective. This model is also consistent with McComb's (1991) notion that in order to promote lifelong learning student affairs professionals must create learning communities outside the classroom. Student-family housing provides student affairs professionals with a unique opportunity for creating educationally purposeful activities for residents of all ages.