Community-Based Learning: A Descriptive Study on Its Impact on Liberal Arts College Students

Abstract

Colleges and universities have long been recognized as a major source of socially and politically active members of society. Currently, the climate surrounding topics of social justice and equity have heightened the importance of implementing community-based learning tools in postsecondary institutions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice as well as between an academic institution and its surrounding community. Community-based learning was studied in this project as it relates to the impact on college student leaders. More specifically, using the Community-Based Learning Impact Scale, student leaders at Goucher College were asked to rank the impact of engagement in community-based learning on their professional development, psychological well-being, civic engagement, and academic learning. Using a convenience sample of 13 students, this study found an overwhelming positive effect across all areas aforementioned.