Learning Goals
Civic Identity, Social Responsibility, and Ethical Engagement
- Students participate in community engagement activities that reinforce or clarify their sense of civic identity and social responsibility (i.e. the experience(s) helps them to answer the questions: Who am I in relation to others in society/this community? What is my role and responsibility?).
- Students critically examine their beliefs and attitudes in relation to diverse communities and cultures. As a result, they learn to adjust their beliefs and attitudes, fostering mutual respect and collaboration.
- Students approach community engagement ethically, focusing on reciprocity, mutual benefit, and the strengths of the communities they work with.
Critical Reflection and Perspective-Taking
- Students reflect critically on their role in social change, recognizing the broader impact of their actions on others, communities, and systems.
- Students evaluate the short-term and long-term consequences of their actions and unintended outcomes.
- Students reality-test their perceptions to better understand diverse viewpoints, develop empathy, and challenge their assumptions to gain a more inclusive view of the world.
Collaboration and Teamwork
- Students work collaboratively within community contexts to achieve shared goals, taking on leadership roles where appropriate.
- Students tailor their communication strategies to effectively express, listen, and adapt to different points of view.
- Through hands-on projects, students learn to engage others, build strong partnerships, and achieve shared goals.
Systems Practice and Adaptive Problem-Solving
- Students learn to map systems by identifying key elements and understanding their connections.
- Students analyze how these systems change and identify leverage points for social change.
- Students generate innovative ideas by exploring multiple possible solutions to complex problems.
- Students apply creative problem-solving by designing resourceful and practical plans to address social issues and develop flexibility to adapt strategies as needed.