What is Community-based Learning?

Community-based Learning (CBL) is a model which integrates service and academic classroom learning. CBL courses are an exciting way of getting students more involved in their communities, while at the same time giving them real world experiences which relate to what they are learning in class.

How are Community-based Learning courses different from "regular" courses?

CBL courses are just as academically rigorous as traditional college courses. Students in a CBL course learn not just from reading texts, listening to lectures, and writing papers, but also by applying theory to practice. They are engaged in activities with a nonprofit partering organization, which will both advance their academic learning, and meet a community-identified need. As always, credit is given for the learning which happens in a course- demonstrated by a writing a paper, giving a presentation, or participating in a class discussion, not for simply providing service.

What does a Community-based Learning course look like?

Students in a nutrition class evaluating community member's diets. Students in an engineering class designing a rainwater collection system for a local nonprofit. Students in a spanish class teaching spanish to elementary school children. Then, integrating the knowledge gained through that service experience into the class through reflection.

How does Community-based Learning work at Johns Hopkins?

Although a number of faculty members at Hopkins already offer classes which include a community service component, these experiences have not been formalized. The Center for Social Concern is stepping into this gap to begin to offer support to faculty who would like to teach community-based learning courses, as well as advocate for community-based learning to be more widely used and accepted on the Johns Hopkins campus.

Through Maryland Campus Compact, in spring 2008, the CSC was awarded a one year Americorps VISTA placement to work specifically on community-based learning. That VISTA member, Lisa Morris, arrived in August 2008. The grant has been renewed for 2009-2010.

How can I get involved?

We are currently looking for committed faculty members, staff, and students to sit on the Community Based Learning Working Group.

For more examples of community based learning classes, and to learn more about CBL, please browse the rest of the Center for Social Concern's website, or visit the national service-learning learning clearinghouse at http://www.servicelearning.org