The 5 course design elements: program type, academic framework, duration, community partnership and assessment have an equal yet unique role in the planning, foundation and success of a community-engaged learning experience.
Below each element is described in detail and poses common questions to help plan your next experience.
The program type is the foundation of the program's quality. Will this be a university program or stand-alone program? Will students be assigned to a community or will the program act as an independent study for students?
Duration is essential for the intended learning outcomes and community impact to occur. Ask yourself, what part of the school year will it take place? How long will it take for the community to see the impact?
Academic framework ensures students' continuous learning by aligning intended learning outcomes with academic experience. What students are best for the program (lower classmen, upperclassmen, graduate students, freshman only)?
Community partnerships aid their community by allowing learning exchanges to occur. The intended goal and community partner should fit together like a puzzle piece.
Assessment is a critical component of community-engaged learning. Can the community deem my work as sustainable? What activities will teach my students about their privilege and change their mindset? Have I created the idea of global citizenship amongst my students?
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