Definitions & Terminology
Community Engaged Learning (CEL) combines academic coursework with the application of institutional resources to address challenges facing communities through…
- engagement that addresses societal needs identified by a community partner or group
- intentional integration of learning objectives co-created with community partner(s)
- student preparation and ongoing critical reflection
- clearly articulated benefits for students, community, and campus partners
- opportunities to critically examine social issues and situate self within a community setting
*Adapted from: Michigan State University – Center for Community Engaged Learning Service-Learning Toolkit and Stanford Teaching Commons Community Engaged Learning for Faculty
Visual display of differences between Community Service/Volunteering and Community Engaged Learning
Figure 1: Differences between community service/volunteering & community engaged learning
Figure 2: Course-specific differences between community service/volunteering & community engaged learning
*Adapted from: Michigan State University – Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Service-Learning Toolkit