Visit the CEL website to learn more about Community-Engaged Learning at ETSU, the focus of the University’s current QEP, and see examples of how innovative instructors at ETSU are taking learning into the community and beyond.

Main Themes of Community-Engaged Learning

1. CEL as a Core Value
   At ETSU, CEL is deeply embedded in the university’s mission, demonstrating a dedication to addressing real-world issues and fostering positive change. By linking classroom learning with community engagement, CEL embodies a pedagogical approach that bridges theory and practice in meaningful ways.
2. Mutually Beneficial Partnerships
   CEL thrives on collaboration between faculty, students, and community partners. These partnerships are built on co-creation and reciprocity, ensuring that everyone involved benefits from the process. Whether it’s planning a service project or evaluating outcomes, all stakeholders share ownership and responsibility for the work, fostering trust and mutual respect.
3. Intentional Learning Experiences
   CEL activities are purposefully designed to address community needs while aligning with specific student learning outcomes. By blending academic objectives with practical engagement, CEL enriches students’ understanding of their studies and provides a meaningful context for applying theoretical concepts.
4. Critical Reflection
   Structured reflection is a cornerstone of CEL, prompting students to think critically about their experiences before, during, and after their engagement. Reflection connects classroom learning to personal and community contexts, challenging students to consider the broader implications of their actions and observations. This reflective process deepens their understanding and encourages growth.
5. Transformative Learning Environment
   CEL creates a space where academic knowledge comes alive. By combining theoretical concepts with hands-on experience, CEL fosters personal and intellectual growth for students, facilitators, and community members alike. The shared experience of tackling real-world challenges leads to deeper learning and lasting impact.

Key Features of Community-Engaged Learning

• Experiential Education: Students gain hands-on experience addressing authentic community issues, enhancing both their knowledge and skills.
• Community Impact: CEL activities are designed with the intention of creating a positive and measurable impact on the community.
• Reciprocity: Partnerships between the university and community are grounded in mutual benefit, ensuring respect and equity.
• Enhanced Learning Outcomes: By connecting theory to practice, CEL deepens students’ understanding of course material, fostering skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.

The Transformative Power of CEL

Dr. Scott Jenkinson encapsulates the essence of CEL in this reflection:

“CEL is a dynamic pedagogy that links the classroom with the world that surrounds us. Students, facilitators, and community members come together in a meaningful and honest way to co-create the learning space. In this environment, theoretical ideas become real, abstracts become clearer, and ultimately everyone involved becomes enriched as they commit to improving the quality of life of the people we encounter each day.”

This powerful quote underscores the transformative potential of CEL. It reminds us that CEL is not just about learning in the abstract—it’s about creating a space where students can engage with the complexities of the world, develop a deeper sense of responsibility, and experience the profound joy of contributing to their communities.

Why Community-Engaged Learning Matters

By integrating intentional design, collaboration, and critical reflection, CEL stands as one of the most impactful teaching strategies available to educators. It not only enhances academic learning but also nurtures a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness in students, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to society. Whether addressing local challenges or engaging with global issues, CEL bridges the gap between academia and the broader world, enriching all participants in the process.

Gallery of CEL Projects at ETSU

Hear directly from our faculty about their CEL teaching experiences.