Community Based Learning
What is Community-based Learning?
Community-based Learning is a broad term that encompasses a variety of teaching & learning strategies. Community-based learning (CBL) allows students the opportunity to work and learn in a community environment, and to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Community-based learning can include the following:
- Experiential learning
- Service learning
- Some kinds of apprenticeships / internships / practica experience
- Some capstone projects
SOU values Community-based Learning, because we value the community in which we all live and work. We believe it is crucial that our graduates leave SOU with the skills, the ability, and the inclination to serve the greater good.
Civic Engagement is the act of becoming involved in the community or government in order to solve problems, to help meet a need and to have a voice. This means . . .
- Identifying & addressing issues of public concern
- Putting the "greater good" above oneself
- Joining in common work that promotes the well being of everyone
- Adding one's voice to community conversations
- Encouraging other people to participate in public life
- Advocacy on behalf of others
Barbara Jacoby defines service-learning as a form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities intentionally designed to promote student learning and development. Reflection and reciprocity are key concepts of service-learning. This means that . . .
- Academic study is closely tied to community service learning experiences through structured reflection
- Service learning is reciprocal; it places at least as much emphasis on learning as on the service provided
- Students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified human and community needs and 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 civic responsibility
- Service learning is fully integrated into the curriculum, not an "add on"
Service-learning programs are distinguished by their intention to equally benefit the service provider and the recipient and to ensure equal focus on the service provided and the learning that is occurring.
Community-based learning is not volunteerism or community service. These put the primary emphasis on the service provided and the intended beneficiary is clearly the service recipient. Service learning emphasizes the learning, with the beneficiary being the student (and teacher!)
Community-based learning is not a job internship. Work-related Internships engage students primarily for the purpose of providing students with hands-on experiences for later jobs and careers.
Community-based learning is not field education. Field education programs provide students with co-curricular service opportunities that are related, but not fully integrated, with their formal academic studies.
