Community-Based Learning Program

Director: Dr. Brenda Marsteller Kowalewski (801) 626-7737
Office Manager: Carla Jones
Location: Community Involvement Center, Shepherd Union, Suite 327
Internet Address: weber.edu/CommunityInvolvement

The Community-Based Learning (CBL) Program at Weber State University consists of a collection of courses designed to provide students learning opportunities through real life experiences and application of knowledge in the community. These courses provide a structured approach to learning and teaching that connects meaningful community experience with intellectual development, personal growth, and active citizenship. Community-based learning enriches coursework by encouraging students to apply the knowledge and analytic tools gained in the classroom to the pressing issues affecting local communities.

Two particular forms of Community-Based Learning are practiced at Weber State University – service-learning and community-based research.

Service-Learning, conceptualized in broad terms, “is a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities” (National Commission on Service Learning, 2002). Through assignments and class discussions, students reflect on their service in order to increase their understanding of course content, gain a broader appreciation of a discipline, and enhance their sense of civic responsibility. Weber State University utilizes the following definition from the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse to define service-learning more specifically:

“Service-learning combines service objectives with learning objectives with the intent that the activity change both the recipient and the provider of the service. This is accomplished by combining service tasks with structured opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content” (NSLC, 1994).

Community-based research involves students working with faculty members and community leaders to develop research projects, collect and analyze data, and share their results and conclusions with the organizations and agencies that need the information. Weber State University utilizes the following definition of community based research:

“Community-based research is a partnership of students, faculty and community members who collaboratively engage in research with the purpose of solving a pressing community problem or effecting social change” (Strand, et al, 2003).

Courses

Community-based learning is not specific to any one discipline; in fact, CBL courses exist in many disciplines across campus. For example, an Athletic Training class incorporates a service component wherein students are utilizing their knowledge and skills gleaned from class to serve patrons at a local free medical clinic.

Community-Based Learning courses are designated with a CBL prefix and are listed in the course schedule published online each semester. Additionally, a full list of CBL designated courses can be found on the Community Involvement Center website at weber.edu/CommunityInvolvement.