What is community engaged learning?

Community engaged learning, also known as community-based learning or service learning, is an educational approach that combines academic instruction with meaningful community service. It involves students actively engaging with the community to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings while addressing community needs.

Here are some key points about community engaged learning:

1. Goals: Its primary goal is to foster civic responsibility, social awareness, and active citizenship among students. Alongside academic learning, community engaged learning aims to deepen students' understanding of societal issues, encourage empathy, and promote social justice.

2. Collaboration: It emphasizes collaboration between academic institutions, students, and community partners. Community organizations, non-profits, government agencies, and other stakeholders work together with educators and students to identify community needs, design projects, and implement solutions.

3. Reciprocity: As a two-way learning process, community engaged learning values reciprocity. Not only do students gain knowledge and skills, but community partners also benefit from the contributions and expertise of students. This mutually beneficial relationship promotes positive community development.

4. Experiential Learning: It offers hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, immersing students in real-world contexts. Through direct interaction with individuals facing various challenges, students gain practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a broader perspective on social issues.

5. Reflection: Reflection is an essential component of community engaged learning. Students have opportunities to reflect on their experiences and connect these experiences to academic concepts. This reflection encourages critical analysis, personal growth, and the integration of theory and practice.

6. Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Research has shown that community engaged learning can enhance academic achievement and promote retention of knowledge. It also develops valuable skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership.

7. Community Impact: By addressing local and societal issues, community engaged learning initiatives aim to make a positive impact on the community. Projects can range from literacy programs, environmental conservation efforts, healthcare initiatives, poverty reduction campaigns, and more.

8. Global Perspective: Community engaged learning can extend beyond local communities to address global issues. Through partnerships with international organizations or remote collaboration, students can develop an understanding of global challenges and cross-cultural competence.

Overall, community engaged learning offers a holistic educational experience that combines classroom learning with active community involvement. It prepares students to become socially responsible citizens who contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.