Coordinated studies programs, the model used at FSU, engage both faculty and students, full time, in interdisciplinary learning around themes. Such a program is usually a full load for both the involved students and faculty members. It includes team teaching, restructuring of the typical time schedule, and book seminars. The successful ones are all adaptations to the peculiar context of this or that institution. Two reasons for these restructuring efforts seem to be increased student learning and retention.
Students are more involved.
It affects their social and academic lives, enhancing both through a supportive community of peers sharing learning. They have more intellectual interaction with faculty, learn from diverse perspectives, and see an integration of knowledge. Students become more active learners which encourages class attendance and participation. Students typically improve their reading, writing, and thinking skills. Some schools have reported high retention rates for students involved in learning communities.