Community Engaged Learning (CEL)
Engaging students with Community partners in a mutually beneficial, mutually respected experience that aligns with curriculum. CEL sometimes called community service-learning, integrates service and volunteer experiences within academic courses or extra-curricular programs. With a strong emphasis on partnerships between Grenfell Campus and community organizations, clear objectives are set for both the student learning that occurs and the resulting benefits to the community.
We collaborate with students, staff, faculty and community partners to work through complex community-based issues. Our programs place students in community settings either as a required part of an academic course, or through voluntary co-curricular placements. We also provide resources and support to instructors, departments, and faculties, to enhance teaching and learning processes. We connect University research, learning and resources to the community in ways that support lasting relationships.
Through their involvement in Community Engagement activities, students enhance your personal growth, develop tangible skills, meet new people and create opportunities to explore regional perspectives! CEL provides students with the opportunity to au thentic ate their learning in real world situations; embeds learning activities; complements classroom instruction and encourages active participation.
Benefits of CEL to Students
- Brings learning to real life activities
- Actively engaged
- Manage their own learning
- Relationships are developed and nurtured
- Context for learning is different (outside classroom)
Benefits of CEL to Faculty
- Ensuring students' deeper understanding
- Integrating current issues into course
- Engaging students as active learners
- Fostering relationships with community
- Providing opportunities for future research
- Demonstrating teaching excellence
- Incorporating Engaged Teaching and Learning
Benefits of CEL to Community Partners
- Completed projects
- Relationships strengthened
- Volunteers, board members, potential hires
- Community partners inform the curriculum
- Coaching and mentoring skills developed
- Voices from the community to the classroom