Community-based learning courses are academic experiences that extend student learning into the community.
Community-based learning is a type of experiential learning when students apply course content to experiences in the community.
These experiences/courses may be less reciprocal in nature because they are more focused on student learning. During these experiences, it is expected that students gain intensive experience applying principles of civic and community engagement and/or disciplinary knowledge and skills in a community setting. Community-based learning entails professional experiences that provide an opportunity to put academic knowledge into practice or learn more about a specific profession.Community is broadly defined and includes nonprofit, government, business, and K-12 partners.
Examples
- A student conducting community-based research about effective voter mobilization strategies with a faculty member or a student working in a community organization in an internship connected to their content area, increasing the organization’s capacity. Examples can also be found in practica, capstones, and student teaching.
- Other examples include, but are not limited to, The Student Service and Leadership Collaborative (The Collaborative), research, internships (paid/unpaid), practicums, and other coursework with a community component.
The major differentiating factors for these experiences from other experiential learning, such as service learning, are that they do not necessarily include the reciprocal or mutually-beneficial partnerships or reflection components required in service learning courses.