Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning

Visit our Student Page for USM Community-Engaged Learning 
See a list of community-engaged courses at USM

How CCE supports faculty interested in community-engaged teaching:
* Facilitates and manages Service-Learning at USM (not all community-engaged  classes have all of the components of a service-learning class)  
* Provide suggestions and connections to community agencies (some are online)
* Coordinates networking opportunities between community-engaged faculty
* Assists with research questions and opportunities
* Serves as collaborator on research and funding opportunities
* Provides information on student volunteer opportunities
* Consults on course design
* Advises on publication venues
* Maintains online resource folder and basic library 

Questions? Contact Christy Kayser at 6-6467 or%20christy.arrazatteeFREEMississippi.

CCE distinguishes service-learning from other types of community-engaged learning that take place with community organizations (like internships, client-based class projects, community service, student teaching, service trips, and/or field experience). Service-learning is embedded into academic classes; equally balances the needs of the student, the community, and academic learning; and meets USM's criteria for service-learning.  

Best practices for community-engaged teaching:

1. Academic Content: Establish and achieve learning objectives that integrate student learning and community impact
2. Engagement: Meet a recognized need in the community to successfully meet a public good
3. Reciprocity: Encourage all students, faculty, and community members to act as both teachers and learners to create a mutual impact and empower community voice
4. Exposure to Diversity: Facilitate exposure to diversity to allow for personal outcomes, such as identity development and cultural understanding
5. Public Dissemination: Share the results with the partner and/or the public community
6. Reflection: Provide a way for students to express their thoughts and feelings about their experiences, such as discussion and journaling. 

Tips for developing and maintaining a healthy partnership:

1. State specific and agreed upon mission, values, goals, and outcomes
2. Develop mutual respect, trust, and commitment
3. Build on strengths and assets to build capacity
4. Define your roles explicitly
5. Balance power and share resources
6. Maintain clear and open communication
7. Ensure feedback among all stakeholders
8. Share the credit