LEARNING COMMUNITY: A TOOL TO ENHANCE LEARNING AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING

The new concept of professionalising university curriculum introduced in Italy with the 2001-2002 academic year has drawn the attention to the rethinking of teaching and university courses related to the new scenarios of labor market. Universities are asked to be able to facilitate not only theoretical learning but also skills acquisition. Learning communities are well suited to these purposes and are connected with higher education improvement and dropout prevention. The main focus is the increasing of academic and social integration with guidance activities, academic skills training and social support activities.