Community-Based Learning: Engaging Students for Success and Citizenship

This report from the Coalition for Community Schools underscores the need for a concerted and intentional effort to engage all students in learning. Numerous approaches to community-based learning are already in use; this paper highlights six models with a particular emphasis on community problem solving: academically based community service, civic education, environment-based education, place-based learning, service-learning, and work-based learning. Research shows that as many as 60% of all students are disengaged from learning and that this is a key factor in the dropout rate. Community-based Learning addresses these issues by involving students in real-world problem solving that ignites the imagination and the intellect of our young people. It sparks student's passion for learning and prepares them for success and citizenship. As highlighted in this paper, studies have shown that students who are involved in this approach have increased attendance rates, improved academic outcomes and are more likely to graduate on time.