The topic of the next UCITE seminar, to be held Feb. 16, will be “Utilizing Community-based Learning to Enhance Your Course.”
Because many students want to serve their communities while at college and after they graduate, more and more universities are connecting to their neighborhoods in meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships through service learning courses. “Service learning” is a teaching and learning tool that integrates community-based engagement in an academic context and can powerfully contribute to the effectiveness of a course.
At the next UCITE session, Elizabeth “Betsy” Banks, director of the Center for Civic Engagement & Learning; Janice Eatman Williams, assistant director of the center and director of Project STEP-UP Tutoring Program; and Angela Lowery, student service coordinator, will cover what service learning is (and how it differs from community service), tips for effectively incorporating service learning to strengthen course goals, and how to tap the student learning that takes place through their experiences. They will share examples of Case Western Reserve University courses that have successfully incorporated community-based experiences.
They will also provide information about resources available through CCEL to faculty, including assistance in identifying partner organizations, building effective partnerships, providing community-based opportunities for students, and logistical support.
The discussion will be held Feb. 16 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Herrick Room, located on the ground floor of the Allen Memorial Medical Library building.
Pizza and beverages will be provided; RSVP to ucite@case.edu.