Education, more than a classroom.....so much more!

What is Community-Based Learning?
Community-based learning is an approach to learning and teaching that encourages students to apply the knowledge and analytic tools gained in the classroom to the pressing issues affecting local communities.  Students engage in meaningful community service that is connected to specific course objectives.  Some courses require service-learning projects, other require community-based research projects.

What is Community-Based Research?
“Community-Based Research (CBR) 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.”

What is Service-Learning?
“… a  teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. 
– National Commission

What is the CBL designation?

The CBL designation on courses stands for Community-Based Learning and simply indicates that the course involves a community-based learning teaching strategy, such as service-learning or community-based research.  Any existing course at WSU can apply for this designation.  The community-based learning experience in the course can be required or optional for students.  Finally, individual sections of courses can receive the CBL designation for individual instructors, or all sections of a course can receive the CBL designation if all sections, regardless of instructor, offer a community-based learning experience to students.