Description

Engaged Learning enables students to apply theory to a context outside of the University by addressing societal concerns, challenges or needs, while producing knowledge in an equitable, mutually beneficial partnership. Through participating in Engaged Learning, students develop self-efficacy and enhance their employability, while local communities benefit from the skills and knowledge of a supervised student researcher.<br/><br/>

The central aim of the Communities and Students Together (CaST) project is to advance our knowledge and understanding of the myriad forms of Engaged Learning and to develop and pilot a programme in each partner university which enables community-based Engaged Learning. In this practical element of the CaST project, each partner aimed to incorporate lessons learned from the previous two CaST outputs – A State-of-the-Art Review, and a Case Study Compendium of Engaged Learning in Europe – in a pilot project in their home institution. This synthesis document describes each initiative, considering the practicalities and challenges of design and delivery, as well as the long-term sustainability.<br/><br/>

Dr. Lindsey Anderson is the Regional Engagement Manager Innovation, Impact and Business at the University of Exeter, UK.