What is a Learning Community?
CAC’s online education programming is expanding and growing! Whether you have taken a CAC course in the past or are thinking about enrolling—let’s explore a little more about the nature and benefits behind CAC’s Learning Communities, a foundational part of our online education.
At the heart of many of our online courses, including our newest course, “The Tears of Things: Integrating the Prophetic Path,” Learning Communities are a beloved and crucial part of the CAC student experience, offering camaraderie and deep wisdom that can only be found through deep interaction with others.
What is a Learning Community?
A Learning Community is an intentional group of students that prioritizes active listening, speaking, and participation to help integrate deep contemplative wisdom. For many students, their Learning Community becomes a “living laboratory” where they can try out new ways of speaking, sharing, and listening that they carry from their coursework into the world.
These groups are called what we like to call “intentionally boundaried” meaning that they are not really intended for casual social connection—they are guided spaces designed to encourage heart-felt sharing while staying deeply conscious of other students’ experiences. Honoring ground rules for conversation and sharing is in our experience, the best way of ensuring every student can offer authentic participation while keeping the space supportive and safe for everyone.
Benefits of CAC’s Learning Communities
Integrating Experiential Learning. Students can experiment with new ways of showing up for themselves and for others, exploring what it means to be present, embodied, and participate in active sharing and listening.
Welcoming Diverse Perspectives. By deeply receiving stories and insights from fellow students from many perspectives, cultures, and experiences, group discussions can offer ground for new understanding and sometimes reveal personal biases that can serve as invitations to growth.
Making Space for Authentic Engagement. Connecting with others on a deep and authentic level motivates students to explore new perspectives while encourages them to incorporate different perspectives into their own worldview.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging. Participating in a regular, inclusive learning environment can inspire learners to risk sharing new insights and ideas, even if it pushes them a bit out of our comfort zone.
Inspiring Critical Reflection. Regularly reflecting on how they relate to course content can invite students into regular self-reflection and discernment, opening new doors to personal growth and transformation.
Encouraging Courageous Application. Observing peers who are actively modeling engaged participation can encourage students to show-up with love, and affect positive change in their lives, their communities, and in the world.
We would love to welcome you into the courageous and loving Learning Community here as a part of the CAC course. Explore our upcoming courses, “Falling Upward: Life as a Spiritual Journey” coming summer 2025, and “Mystical Sobriety,” coming Fall 2025.
Have you participated and benefitted from being a part of a Learning Community at CAC? Share your experience with us.