CATESOL24

How can language teachers best facilitate this win-win situation: students improve their language skills and increase their knowledge of community issues, social justice strategies, and U.S. culture, while community-based organizations gain from the time and energy of student volunteers? Whether called service-learning, community-based learning, or community-engaged education, this practice has a long tradition in language classrooms. Learn strategies for crafting effective community-based learning projects that are respectful of the diverse backgrounds, needs and goals of all involved. A case study from a noncredit community college class will be described, as well as lessons learned from two semesters of implementation.