Community Based Learning (CBL) is a form of experiential education that is interactive with the community but takes place within the course or classroom.
Community partners are invited into the classroom to present pre-defined problems, questions or issues to be explored and analyzed. Students are exposed to scenarios, situations, problems and issues described by the community partners, to which students apply their developing knowledge and reflect on how the actual experience informs their learning. The CBL project benefits both student learning and the community partner.
Key Features
How do students engage in EE?
Students are exposed to scenarios, situations, problems and issues presented by community partners within the classroom, to which they apply their developing knowledge.
To what extent are community partners engaged/involved?
The experience requires consultation between the Course Director and the community partner and clarification of expectations in terms of what students can deliver. Community partners may participate in the assessment of the students’ work if it involves, for example, reports or presentations.
Is priority given to student learning outcomes or community partner needs?
A CBL project is created/structured so that it benefits both student learning and the community partner.
How long and how frequently do these experiences occur?
CBL projects can vary in length, from a project that takes place over a few weeks to a project that spans the duration of the course. During CBL students have the ability to work remotely from the organization.
How are students remunerated?
Students receive academic credit for Community Based Learning. Community Based Learning activities are unpaid.
Course Example
Faculty of Health: HLST 4900 Faculty of Health, Health Studies Project Management: Field Experience
Logistics
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