with Marcy Campos (Center for Community Engagement & Service), Maren Burling (Center for Community Engagement & Service), and Arianna Lopez (Center for Community Engagement & Service)

Watch  Part 1 of this session.

Watch Part 2 of this session.

This session focuses on (re)designing a course syllabus to incorporate Community-Based Learning & Research (CBLR), a pedagogy that deepens student learning through collaboration with a nonprofit or school in the DC area. This “high impact practice” advances AU’s Strategic Plan and helps students better understand issues that impact local residents and organizations. Participants will discuss best practices and challenges for collaboration with community partners, compare direct service, project-based work, and community-based research, and explore ways to incorporate critical thinking and reflection.

By attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

(a) Identify and explain the key components of community-based learning (an AACU “high impact” practice), including its educational and institutional benefits.

(b) Name a variety of methods that help students prepare to work in the city, deepen their cultural competencies, and utilize reflection techniques.

(c) Share and compare best practices and approaches for working reciprocally with nonprofit partners.