Community-based learning

WHAT:

 Community-based learning refers to a wide variety of instructional

methods and programs that educators use to connect what is being
taught in schools to their surrounding communities, including local
institutions, history, literature, cultural heritage, and natural environments.
Community-based learning is also motivated by the belief that all
communities have intrinsic educational assets and resources that
educators can use to enhance learning experiences for students.
Synonyms include community-based education, place-based learning,
and place-based education, among other terms.
 Community-based learning is a teaching and learning strategy that
integrates meaningful community engagement with instruction and
reflection to enrich the learning experience with a greater emphasis on
reciprocal learning and reflection.
WHO:

 Community and student are mutual beneficiaries of community based

learning. And the goal is authentic partnership.
 “Students engaged in community service activities with intentional
academic and learning goals [with] opportunities for reflection that
connects to their academic disciplines.” (Cress, Collier, & Reitenauer,
2005).
WHERE:

 Community-based learning is often described as being located

somewhere between volunteering and work placements or internships.
 It is done in the community.
HOW:

Service learning is a form of teaching that combines instruction with

meaningful community service experiences. It represents a holistic
approach that reinvigorates the linkages between young people and the
institutions that serve the broader community (Wade, 2000). When
administered appropriately, a community-based learning course provides
the following:

 Opportunities for students to make valuable contributions to communities

through active participation in organized service experiences
coordinated with the school and community.
  Structured time for students to think, talk, or write about their experiences
with the service activity.

 Opportunities for students to use newly acquired academic skills and

knowledge in real life situations in their communities.

 Enhancement to what is taught in the school by extending student

learning beyond the classroom and into the community-helping to foster
the development of a sense of caring for others. (Alliance for Service-
Learning in Education Reform, 1993)
WHY:
Community-based learning is a high impact practice which can improve
student retention and engagement, and help students better absorb, retain,
and transfer knowledge.

INCLUSION
WHAT:

 Inclusion is seen as a universal human right. The aim of inclusion is to

embrace all people irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical or
other need. It is about giving equal access and opportunities and getting
rid of discrimination and intolerance (removal of barriers). It affects all
aspects of public life.

 It is a full access to the general education curriculum and all instructional

and social
WHO:

 All learners have the right to be educated in general education

classroom.
WHERE and WHEN:
 Full- time placement in general education classrooms.
HOW:

 All full range of services is integrated into the general education setting
 General and Special education are merged into a unified service delivery
system.