Integrated Learning (IL) course model: a linked-course learning community pairing study-strategy instruction with a rigorous content course¶

Design · All designs
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The IL course model links a learning-strategies and cultural-transition course to an academically-challenging companion course so that "the IL course is customized to use content of its companion class as contex t for mastering learning strategies and orienting students to the rigor of the tertiary learning environment." Its innovations were targeting difficult courses rather than student deficits, immediate application of study skills to real course materials, use of linked courses as a learning community, and explicit attention to cultural transition for historically-underrepresented students. It draws on situated learning, sheltered instruction, constructivism, socio-constructivism and the Zone of Proximal Development, and fits the linked-courses type of learning community.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

A supportive academic department hosting the IL course and offering the paired content course
An IL instructor who knows what happens in the target class by meeting the faculty member weekly
Ongoing professional development for the IL instructor before and during the term

Constraints¶

Reserved for students admitted to the TRIO Student Support Services program; enrollment requires advisor permission
Classes targeted must show 30 percent or more D/F/withdrawal grades before IL introduction

Target Learners¶

First-generation, low-income, and historically-underrepresented first-year tertiary students in TRIO Student Support Services

Learning Goals¶

Learning strategies and metacognitive self-regulation
Critical thinking and exam preparation
Cultural and academic transition to tertiary education

Claims¶

Peer Instruction

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

David R. Arendale. (2014). Understanding the Integrated Learning Course Model: Academic Transition to Tertiary Education. International Journal of Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v3n4p1

Page metadata

Field	Value
`type`	`design`
`id`	`integrated-learning-course-model`
`title`	`Integrated Learning (IL) course model: a linked-course learning community pairing study-strategy instruction with a rigorous content course`
`description`	`The IL course model links a learning-strategies and cultural-transition course to an academically-challenging companion course so that "the IL course is customized to use content of its companion class as contex t for...`
`status`	`review`
`generated`	by `process:settle-candidates` on `2026-11-02`
`trust`	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
`sources`	1 — `david-r-arendale-2014`

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