Session 4: (Community) Service Learning & Public Engagement

In this session, prof. Marjolein Zweekhorst (Athena Institute, VU Amsterdam) explains the concepts of Community Service Learning (CSL) and Public Engagement (PE) adding some theoretical background: “Service-learning, a form of experiential education, is a collaborative teaching and learning strategy designed to promote academic enhancement, personal growth, and civic engagement” (Ash & Clayton, 2004)

Moreover, she offers some possible ideas and steps to be taken to design a winter/summer school Service Learning course as to encourage participants to gain experience with (Community) Service learning and public engagement or to improve their performance with this kind of experiential education.

After watching this session try to reflect on your winter/summer school’s situation:

• What is the level and experience of students who will participate in the summer course?
• What are the possibilities with respect to community partnerships?
• What is the ‘service’ needed? (and how can it be addressed? Disciplinairy SL/ problem/ project based CSL)
• What reflection tools suit this context?