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Community Engaged Learning
By Amy Kerr, Director of Community Engaged Learning

What is Community Engaged Learning, and why is it important to the Park Tudor academic experience?

Community Engaged Learning (CEL) is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection. It is also an opportunity to critically examine public issues that helps students use academic knowledge and skills to address genuine community needs.

More than community service, CEL involves the students in determining where the community need exists and how they will meet the need. Key to a successful CEL partnership is the teaching that takes place before collaborating with the community agency, as well the time of reflection that follows. It is during each of these times that students better understand the need, their ability to meet this need, and their capacity to make a difference.

Community Engaged Learning opportunities occur in all three divisions. From Park Tudor’s longstanding partnership with Westminster Neighborhood Services to upcoming work that will be done with Springmill Elementary School, students and faculty will continue to meet the needs and make a change in the lives of our Indianapolis neighbors.