ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overall framework of learning theory that can be used to assist the design, implementation, and maintenance of Learning Communities (LCs). It focuses on examples of distinctive learning that powerful LCs—— both student LCs (SLCs) and professional LCs (PLCs—)—are designed to produce and makes the case that this work must be shaped by an understanding of multiple learning theories. The chapter provides a learning framework to aid in the intentional design of effective LCs and offers specific principles and strategies for designing powerful LCs. Powerful LCs embrace an understanding that learners’ experiences and how they make meaning from those experiences are both important components of the learning process. Holistic frameworks support an applied educational purpose, rather than simply trying to explain cognitive development. An additional set of frameworks focuses on cognitive growth as well as affective and behavioral changes.
