Features of a Community-Based Learning & Research Course

Key Features

• Some or all of the course activity occurs in or for the community
• Course content is created in partnership with the community and helps to meet real community need
• Service activities are closely tied to course assignments
• The course is sometimes discipline-based, sometimes inter-disciplinary
• The course feature clear learning goals and assignments to assess learning, including critical analysis, written reflection, and/or oral presentation
• Occurs on a continuum from limited/optional/supplemental to mandatory/integrated

Community-Based Learning and Research Assignments

• Community surveys
• Software/web/data base design
• Teaching others (younger, older) content or skills
• Research
• Structural or system design
• Grant-writing
• Interviews
• Photography
• Writing—narratives, oral histories, publications
• Social media development
• Curriculum consultation
• Tutoring
• Special events planning and coordination

Adjunct instructor in environmental studies Scott Stokoe holds class at the Dartmouth Organic Farm.

Related Links

Community-Based Learning & research resources

Examples of Dartmouth CBL and research courses

Tucker Foundation Faculty opportunities