Community-Engaged Learning

Community-Engaged Learning (i.e., service-learning) is a course or competency-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students (a) participate in mutually identified service activities that benefit the community, and (b) reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility. (Bringle & Clayton, 2012, p. 105; adapted from Bringle & Hatcher, 1996).

Examples of Community-Engaged Learning include:

• Faculty working with a non-profit community partner to inform course content and to identify potential research and inquiry path
• Students engage civically through advocacy
• Students practice critical reflection through such activities as journal writing, group discussion, or presentations.

For resources to implement community-engaged learning, contact the Engaged Learning Director, Lucy Smith, or visit the Community-Engaged Learning page.