Civic Engagement

Below are links to resources related to applying foundational knowledge and skills to solve a problem.

Theory and Research

The Effects of Community-Based and Civic Engagement in Higher Education

Report showing that civic engagement, assessed in numerous ways, has a positive impact on learning and other student outcomes.

Reflection on Learning

Community Engaged Learning Tool Kit: Critical Reflection | Drake University

Research guide for faculty incorporating community-engaged learning in their coursework. Includes DEAL Reflection Model and related resources.

DEAL Model for Critical Reflection

Template that prompts students to reflect on their civic engagement experiences.

Service Learning Reflection Handbook | Oklahoma State University

Resource for contextualizing and interpreting service and civic educational experiences. Includes numerous classroom-ready strategies and assignments.

Service Learning

Foundations of Service Learning

What is Service-Learning or Community Engagement? 

Teaching guide from the Center for Teaching at Vanderbilt University.

Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) Guide to Service Learning

Overview of service-learning and is valuable for community partners and faculty alike. 

Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) Service Learning Statement of Expectations

Scope of work form for IUB faculty and community partners to document their service-learning partnership. 

Indiana University Bloomington Statement of Responsibilities for Service Learning Courses (Learner, Instructor, Community Partner)

Form describing the scope of work for instructors, learners, and community partners and documents details of the service-learning partnership. 

Course Planning and Instructional Resources

Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) Faculty Questions for Exploring the Potential Role for Service Learning

Questions to consider when considering whether to include service learning in a course.

Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) Sample Timesheet for Service Learner

Template for learners to use to record time spent in service learning activities. 

Campus Compact Syllabi Library
Collection of syllabi for courses in a wide range of disciplines that incorporate service- and community-engaged-learning.

Indiana University Indianapolis Service-Learning Syllabi

Guidance on what to include in the syllabus of a service learning course.

Assessment and Reflection Tools

Assessing Reflection in Service Learning

Prompts for students to reflect on their civic engagement experiences.

Civically Engaged Learning Goals Rubric

Rubric developed by the Illinois State University Center for Civic Engagement that includes civic knowledge.

Mapping Civic Measurement: How Are We Assessing Readiness and Opportunities for An Engaged Citizenry?

List of tools to measure civic literacy, civic learning, and civic engagement.

AAC&U VALUE Rubric for Civic Engagement 

Assessment instrument applicable to students’ civic learning and engagement, incorporating civic identity, service learning, and civic action/engagement. Available for download through institutional or individual AAC&U membership (after creating a free account). 

Assessment Tools for Service Learning Projects

While designed for secondary schools, this offers a methodology for evaluating service learner progress and work.

Kalamazoo College Civic Engagement Reflection Outline

Can be used to create a structured reflection session.

Self-Assessment Tool for Service-Learning Sustainability

Helps individuals assess the sustainability of a department, college, or institution's  to engage in service learning.

Organizations Supporting Community Engagement

National Youth Leadership Council

While designed for K-12, this organization focuses on equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and confidence to serve as leaders.

International Service Learning

Information and resources from a group that leads volunteers to various countries to provide essential community and medical services. 

International Association for Research on Service Learning and Community Engagement

Resources to promote the development and dissemination of research on service learning and community engagement internationally, across all educational levels.

Society for Experimental Education

Professional association for experiential educators world-wide.

Model Programs and Institutional Examples

Resources for Service-Learning | Indiana University

Useful list of resources to accompany campus- and classroom-based service learning, including syllabi and instructor resources, reflection prompts and activities, assessment instruments, and theory and research support. (Many of these resources are included individually on this page.)

Center for Community Engaged Learning | Michigan State University

Physical and online hub for resources and support for students and faculty interested in service learning. Faculty resources include course development, financial support, and print library (some resources unavailable due to requirement for institutional login).

Center for Excellence in Learning Through Service (CELTS) | Berea College

Student-facing program and site from an institution focused on service learning. “Service Opportunities” and “Service Learning” tabs have ideas that can translate across institutions and scale.

Journals on Service Learning and Community Engagement

Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning

Open-access, peer-reviewed journal with authors and readers worldwide. 

Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship

Peer-reviewed, international journal covering scholarly works related to teaching, research, and community engagement in all disciplines.

Assessment of Civic Engagement

Assessing Reflection in Service Learning

Article providing prompts for students to reflect on their civic engagement experiences.

Civically Engaged Learning Goals Rubric

Rubric developed by the Illinois State University Center for Civic Engagement, which includes civic knowledge.

Mapping Civic Measurement: How Are We Assessing Readiness and Opportunities for An Engaged Citizenry?

Tools to measure civic literacy, civic learning, and civic engagement.

AAC&U VALUE Rubric for Civic Engagement

Assessment instrument applicable to students’ civic learning and engagement, incorporating civic identity, service learning, and civic action/engagement. Available for download through institutional or individual AAC&U membership (creating a free account).