BCC Integrates Learning Communities into Curriculum

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  Learning communities are now part of the curriculum, and at BCC, a learning community is a small group of students, enrolled together in two joined courses who work in collaboration toward shared academic goals.  
 
Based on a national model, learning communities at BCC enroll a maximum of 22 students and are taught by two faculty members, creating the opportunity for students and faculty to form connections in a supportive academic environment of curiosity and growth. During the current fall 2022 semester, BCC is offering two inaugural learning communities based on the theme of "Stay Local, Go Global." The first learning community, called "Diasporas: Identity and Belonging Away from Home" includes introductory English and Liberal Arts classes, while the second, "Language and Culture in Our Global Society," comprises communications and history classes. 
 
"Research shows that learning communities promote equity, a stronger sense of belonging and a deeper engagement in course content," said Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Laurie Gordy, who said she expects positive student outcomes including a greater sense of connection to faculty and peers; a clearer sense of personal and academic goals; higher rates of student success; and development of skills that employers want, such as teamwork, critical thinking and effective communication.  
 
Constance Berman, Chair of the Department of Communication, Language and Humanities, and June Tooley, Chair of the Department of History and Government, work together to teach the Language and Culture learning community and have observed positive reactions from students enrolled in their classes. An informal poll of these students yielded comments like, "It is helping me understand more about how others think and about cultures that are new to us," "It's good to be able to bounce ideas off each other," "You take two classes but it feels like one" and "Great collaboration leads to a successful path as a group." 
 
"The collaborative learning experience for our students is rich. They are finding ways to deepen their education by making connections with the scholarly material in concrete ways," Berman said.  "They see communication and world history touching their own lives."  
 
The learning communities are also impactful for faculty. "As professors, we relish bouncing ideas off each other and finding new ways to be effective," Tooley said. 
 
For more information about learning communities at BCC, contact Dr. Laurie Gordy at lgordy@berkshirecc.edu

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State Fire Marshal: Brush Fire Warning

STOW, Mass.—With 47 active brush fires reported statewide, local and state officials are urging residents to use extra caution with any open flame or other heat source outdoors.

Representatives from the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, Department of Conservation & Recreation, Department of Fire Services, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts reminded residents that the ongoing weather conditions make dry leaves, dead vegetation, and other fuels extremely receptive to ignition.

"The dry, sunny, breezy weather is great for recreation, but it also means that any outdoor fire will spread quickly and become very difficult to manage," said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. "We're seeing preventable fires growing to dangerous sizes and drawing numerous resources, locally and regionally."

Based on the preliminary causes of recent fires, officials are asking residents to:

  • Remember that open burning is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round.
  • Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
  • Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. The engines can become hot enough to ignite dry leaves and grass.
  • Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.
  • Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.

Weather conditions statewide currently place all Massachusetts communities at elevated risk of brush fires. Many of these fires could spread to or from residential areas. Residents should monitor fire conditions closely and follow instructions from local public safety officials. Ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are enabled on your cell phone. If your community has a local alert system, sign up to receive local warnings. 

Find more outdoor fire safety tips on the Department of Fire Services' website

 

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