• Global Community-Engaged Learning Best Practices
  • Global Community-Engaged Learning Ethical Engagement - Student Engagement

Student Engagement

A new environment combined with a new culture is prone to send any student into a cultural shock. Shyness, anxiety and withdrawal are a few symptoms that can make the difference between an impactful community-engaged learning experience and a few weeks away from home.

Engaging your students in a community-engaged learning experience is a recurring process that doesn't include an answer key. Below presenters from theme one and theme two provide insight on engaging students when it comes to controversial topics.

Create a list of questions along with your students that your students want to know. With your community partner, ask them ways students can ask certain questions and go over the list and weed out questions with them. “There is no bad question based on the relationship.” - Nicole Springer | Director - Campus Compact for Michigan, USA

“Be aware of cultural norms. Be knowledgeable of the context and the relationships with community members. ” - Kiesha Warren-Gordon,Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology - Ball State University, USA

"Do your homework. You have to know the culture of the people. As you listen you may be able to get an answer to a question, without directly answering." - Denise Ferrell, DNP, RN | Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Public Service and Director for Diversity & Inclusion, College of Nursing - Michigan State University, USA

"If you feel some topics may be perceived as insensitive or you may be ill-prepared, ask your community partner to help. Know your community and have the point person who can answer. Asking the question in an informal environment where everyone is more relaxed." Nicole Webster, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Youth and Development, Co-Director, 2LE Center for Collaborative Engagement - Pennsylvania State University, USA