Community Based Learning (CBL)

Practical experience enriches learning

Community-based learning adds a new dimension to education. Structured community experiences offer meaningful opportunities for students to address complex issues in a diverse world. The combination of community service with academic discipline prepares students to maximize their contributions as citizens.

Involvement in community activities gives students the opportunity to benefit others while benefiting themselves, as they learn teamwork, civic responsibility, and the application of intellectual skills. Regular classes with community-based learning options evaluate student experiences as part of the course.

PSU promotes classes devoted to community-based learning campuswide. Many scores of classes relate to a wide variety of social issues. All combine information, skills, theory, reflection, and assessment methods to enhance the capacity of students to serve in the community, and learn more effectively.

In sum, the educational dimension of community-based learning provides the following advantages.

• Gives students an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to real-world issues and problems in the community.
• Enhances student ability to work in discipline specific or interdisciplinary teams.
• Encourages students to become actively involved in the community.
• Provides accessible research and service to community partners.

Students allign work with primary interests

Community Based Learning courses, in general, offer learning experiences specific to each student's primary field of study, and gives them contact with other students and professionals that fit their interests. A different kind of opportunity for community-based learning arises in Senior Capstones, the final class undergraduates must take as seniors to complete their general education requirements. There, the focus is always interdisciplinary, fostering practical experience with teamwork.