Community-Engaged Learning & Teaching

Rooted in the historical and theoretical foundations of community-engaged learning, this course explores how the field has evolved from traditional service-learning models toward more critical, decolonizing, and globally-informed approaches. Participants will examine key theoretical frameworks, interrogate power dynamics in community-university partnerships, and develop practical tools for integrating meaningful civic and community engagement into academic coursework.

Across seven modules, this course addresses three interconnected pillars: the foundational principles of community-engaged teaching and learning; strategies for intentional course design and co-education with community partners; and approaches to assessment, critical reflection, and sustained community impact. Modules are tailored to address the distinct roles and responsibilities of faculty, students, and community partners, recognizing that authentic CETL requires the active collaboration of all three groups.

By the end of the course, participants will have built a personal toolkit of resources, including readings, reflection frameworks, syllabus models, and assessment tools, to support the ongoing development and advising of community-engaged courses. This course is designed for practitioners who believe that higher education has a public purpose and who are committed to making that purpose more authentic, equitable, and impactful for students, faculty, and communities alike.

Course objectives

1. Understand the foundation of core principles of community-engaged teaching and learning,
2. Identify strategies for course design and co-education, and
3. Recognize that assessment, reflection, and sustained impact are essential for CELT success.