Maricopa Community College

Although it was relatively successful, the Maricopa Community College District undertook conversations to become more learner centered to better position itself for the future. The staff and stakeholders decided not to use "old" and "new," but instead "traditional" and "desired" to describe the transition. Key elements of Maricopa's shift are outlined below:

• First, learning is a process which is lifelong for everybody and should be measured in a consistent, ongoing manner focused on improvement.
• Second, everyone is an active learner and teacher through collaboration, shared responsibility and mutual respect.
• Third, the learning process includes the larger community through the development of alliances, relationships and opportunities for mutual benefit.
• Fourth, learning occurs in a flexible and appropriate environment. (pp. 173 - 174)

These elements were developed through roundtables and framed all future decisions. In what way have you, or have you not, experienced any of the elements above? It could be as a student, a teacher, or any other type of stakeholder.