Our member universities are embedding, scaling and promoting accredited student community-based learning and teaching (CBLT) on campuses across Ireland.
Community-based learning and teaching are academic approaches that seek to enhance student learning outcomes, while working in partnership with civic and civil society organisations (CSOs) to act on local and global societal challenges.
Resources - Students & Communities Learning Together
Professional Training
The Community Engaged Learning (CEL) professional Train the Trainer Course is an introductory programme for teaching staff in higher education, which explores the basic concepts and practical steps on how to integrate CEL into any teaching curriculum. The course is built around a series of video tutorials, solo and group activities, a selection of academic and grey reading material, and online case studies with community partners, students and academics.
The course is 25-hours learner effort and is undertaken over a 6-week period, after which learners can claim their digital badge in Community Engaged Learning from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (NFETL).
To see our digital course brochure please click here
Click below for more information
Case Studies: Community Engaged Learning in Action
University College Dublin
Community Engaged Learning: Students addressing societal challenges through the curriculum Partners: UCD, Dublin City Council, A Playful City and Sean Harrington Architects. UCD students work with society to develop more inclusive urban environments in Dublin City Centre. Addresses the UN Sustainability Goal of Sustainable Cities and Communities (UN SDG 11)
Technological University Dublin
TU Dublin & 3D Assist, Tallaght. Marketing and multimedia students empowering and promoting the social inclusion of all. Addresses the UN Sustainability Goal of Reduced Inequalities (UN SDG 10)
University of Limerick
University of Limerick and the CWELL South Side Consortium (made up of several community based NGOs and Not for Profits) UL students working with local communities to identify their needs, co-design and deliver community-based interventions. Addresses the UN Sustainability Goal of Good Health and Well-Being (UN SDG 3)
University of Galway
University of Galway, COPE Galway, Galway City Partnership, The Bridge Project, and The Mercy Primary School Galway Occupational therapy students mitigating the negative impact of confinement and social distancing through the Build-a-Box Programme. Addresses the UN Sustainability Goal of Good Health and Well-Being (UN SDG 3)
Download: University of Galway Community Engaged Learning – Case Study
Maynooth University
The Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University, Maynooth Green Campus and Kildare County Council. Students and the community working together to build eco-literacy, protect and sustain local forests, and halt biodiversity loss. Addresses the UN Sustainability Goal of Life on Land (UN SDG 15)
Download: Maynooth University Community Engaged Learning – Case Study
University College Cork
UCC and Cork Migrant Centre A collaboration between Cork migrant women and UCC Masters in Applied Psychology Students creating pathways for integration. Addresses the UN Sustainability Goal of Reduced Inequalities (UN SDG 10)