15 The positive impact of Learning Communities on Teaching and Learning in Munster Technological University

Aims and Objectives

• Support the development of learning communities across Munster Technological University.
• Identify areas of importance for teaching and learning.
• Provide continuous professional development opportunities for staff.

Initiative Overview

In 2019, the Teaching and Learning Unit launched the inaugural learning community fund for staff in Munster Technological University. Our intention was to support up to 5 learning communities per year over a five year period, and our focus was very much on building discipline specific learning communities within departments. As of September 2026 we have now supported 82 learning communities across all five faculties of the University. A notable development in the last number of years is the emergence of interdisciplinary learning communities that have organically involved based on common staff and student needs across various departments. Examples of these include work placement, generative artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and educational sustainable development. Each learning community identifies a series of short-term and long-term objectives which can run from anything between a semester long project to a five-year initiative. The role of the teaching and learning unit is to support the day-to-day running of these learning communities and to provide funding where appropriate. Collectively, both the applicants and the teaching and learning unit work collaboratively to identify and record specific outcomes relevant to that learning community on an annual basis. Outcomes are broad depending on the objectives of the learning community and can vary between sharing best practice, organising conferences, building industry collaborations, creating new networks, standardising work placement practices, building student / staff partnerships etc.

The role of the teaching and learning unit is very much a supportive one where we see our function as enabling best practice among our colleagues across all disciplines of teaching and learning. Typically, an individual staff member or group will apply for funding to initiate a learning community based on a shared objective. This can occur at any time of the year but is predominantly targeted in April where we advertise our annual call for funding. Each applicant, as well as identifying a core area of interest with measurable outcomes must bring together at least five individuals (staff / and / or students), with the support of their direct line manager. In addition, each applicant must in some shape or form, enhance the teaching and learning experience for either staff or students. Apart from this, the criteria for entry is very broad with a very firm focus on removing the friction and administrative obstacles for staff, thereby allowing them to concentrate on the project at hand. Administrative, financial and logistical support is then provided on a structured or ad hoc basis depending on the specific requirements of each learning community.

Impact and Evidence of Success

The biggest indicator and evidence of success is best seen in the number of learning communities established in six years. Our original 6 year target was 30 and currently we have no supported 82 learning communities. The number of staff impacted per learning community varies between five and 250 with approximately 1200 staff now part of at least one learning community across the University.

Future Directions and Sustainability

We intend to continue this initiative and direct the higher performing learning communities towards additional sources of funding, and organise cross collaboration and dissemination events between existing learning communities at various stages of development.

Alignment and Policy Context

• MTU Inclusive Curriculum Framework
• MTU Work Placement Policy
• National Forum Strategy 2019–2021: Leading Enhancement and Innovation in Teaching and Learning

Resources and Supporting Information

• MTU Learning Communities

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Funding and Acknowledgements

Funding: Funding for Learning Communities is provided internally by the Teaching and Learning Unit, Munster Technological University, through the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Registrar.