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Undergraduate Living–Learning Programs and Student Outcomes

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Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research

Part of the book series: Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research ((HATR,volume 26))

Abstract

In this chapter, we summarize the extant literature on living–learning programs (LLPs), or residence hall-based undergraduate programs with a particular topical or academic theme. We begin the chapter describing various typologies of living–learning programs and the broader family of learning communities, as well as the historical roots and philosophical underpinnings of the modern LLP. We then turn to a summary of the LLP “best practices” literature. We then focus on the empirical literature investigating the relationship between LLPs and a number of student outcomes, including academic performance, persistence, intellectual development, faculty and peer interaction, the transition to college, campus life, satisfaction, academic engagement and co-curricular involvement, attitudes and beliefs, self-efficacy, and psychosocial development. Finally, following a critique of the empirical and practitioner literature, we conclude the chapter with recommendations for future research and practice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Leadership, Foundations, and Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA

    Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas

  2. National Center for Education Statistics, Washington, DC, 20006, USA

    Matthew Soldner (Associate Research Scientist)

Authors
  1. Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas
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  2. Matthew Soldner
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Correspondence to Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. CEPR, 100 Ball Hall, Memphis, TN, 38152-3570, USA

    John C. Smart

  2. Dept. Educational Policy, &, Leadership Studies, University of Iowa, Lindquist Center N491, Iowa City, 52242-1529, Iowa, USA

    Michael B. Paulsen

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Inkelas, K.K., Soldner, M. (2011). Undergraduate Living–Learning Programs and Student Outcomes. In: Smart, J., Paulsen, M. (eds) Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research. Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research, vol 26. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0702-3_1

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