Implementation of Learning Communities at Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Learning community programs have been widely implemented in higher education institutions, including many accredited medical schools in North America. Learning communities have been shown to create a sense of belonging, enhance teaching and learning, and promote an inclusive educational environment that reinforces collaboration, professionalism, and wellbeing. Based on their demonstrated success, a learning community program was included in the development of Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences (KU CMHS), the first medical school in the capital city of Abu Dhabi and the first to offer a postbaccalaureate, Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Named the Falcon Learning Communities (FLCs), the program adopted the core values of the Learning Communities Institute and integrated them into curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular programming. This paper presents an overview on the development of the FLC program, its implication for both students and faculty, preliminary feedback from teachers and learners, and considerations for future work.