What is Community-Based Learning?
Community-Based Learning (CBL) is an academic course-based pedagogy that combines formal academics with direct "real-world" exposure to an issue in a community setting. CBL may involve experiential education, immersion experiences, researching community needs, and service-learning.
When the service done by students is required in a course, it is called service-learning. When the service is an option in a course, this option is called a community-based learning option.
Service-Learning courses propose the method of learning through experience, as well as material learned in the classroom. There are three components:
- An academic course
- Community service
- Reflection
The service done in the community becomes like a "living text". It is part of the course like every other aspect of the course. Service is required when the course involves service-learning. The same experience may apply to more than one course.
What is a Community-Based Learning Option?
When service is offered as an option in a course along with another or other options, then it is called a community-based learning option. It differs from service-learning in that it is an option, and therefore not an integral part of the course like service-learning where all of the students are engaged in service.
"Tell me, I will forget. Show me, I may remember. Involve me and I will understand." -Chinese Proverb
Mission Statement:
Learning Outcomes
Participation in service-learning should provide students with increased:
1. Course specific learning in a community setting
2. Awareness of the need to promote social justice
3. Sensitivity to issues of culture and diversity
4. Ability to identify community needs and resources
5. Awareness of social responsibility and active citizenship
News and Information
The Office for Community-Based Learning is proud to announce our partnership with AmeriCorps as of Novermber 2009. Click here to meet our Americorps volunteer staff member.
Please visit the AmeriCorps website for more information on the organization: www.wnyamericorps.org/serveshere
Canisius College has been named to the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Our selection to the Honor Roll is recognition from the highest levels of the federal government of our commitment to service and civic engagement on our campus an in our nation.
The Justice in Action work group is housed under the Office for Community-Based Learning. For more information, please refer to the link on the left.
Resources:
*Become a fan of our Facebook page by clicking on the logo below:
Service-Learning Informational Power Point (MS PowerPoint)
Student Informational Brochure (PDF)
Refugee Service Brochure (PDF)
Tutoring Brochure (PDF)
To find more information about our community partners please browse through the Western New York Service-Learning Coalition's online database.