Community-Based Learning

What is Community-Based Learning?

Community-based learning (CBL) is an instructional strategy that blends academic learning with practice outside the classroom. Emphasis is placed on reflection, active student participation, and connecting the curriculum to the 'living text' of the real world.

Integral to community-based learning is the relationship established between SXU faculty, students and partners in the community. In a community-based learning course project, both the students and community partner benefit. Examples of community-based learning include internships, clinical experiences, student teaching and service learning; in all cases, community-based learning courses require that students compose written reflections upon the application of their learning to the community experience.

Integral Components of Community-Based Learning

CBL courses are mutually beneficial to the student and the community partner.
CBL courses are mission-based, with a particular emphasis on educating students to "serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good."
CBL courses actively engage the student in experiential learning.
CBL courses require reflection on the experience.
CBL courses enrich and reinforce academic learning within the discipline.

Community Partner Organizations

View CBL Current Community Partners in a larger map