How can community service improve student engagement?

Over a decade ago, when I was an undergraduate nursing student, I participated in various community development projects, which built my interest in community health. Years later, I went ahead to specialize in community health nursing at MSc level, and ever since, as a community health nursing specialist, I have been involved in designing interventions that will impact families and communities. Exposure to community service can help students pick their future areas of specialization.

Community service allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life situations, making their education more relevant and engaging. Engaging in community service can help students develop a sense of empathy and connection to others, which can increase their motivation and engagement in their studies. Community service provides students with hands-on learning experiences that can be more engaging than traditional classroom activities. Engaging in community service can give students a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can increase their overall engagement and motivation in school.

Community service becomes curriculum writ large opportunities for students to take what they've learned inside the classroom and apply it in the community. In doing so, a cycle between theory and practice is developed in such a way that they inform one another. Consequently, the "classroom" expands beyond the institution's four walls in helping students deepen their understanding of complex issues, various intersections, and how to leverage critical thinking to develop sustainable solutions.

Drawing from my diverse experiences, including living in Europe and Asia, I have seen how community service fosters empathy and broadens perspectives. It immerses students in varied social and cultural settings, enhancing their understanding of different communities, and enabling them to appreciate and respect the global tapestry of human experiences. Community service is a catalyst for personal growth and societal improvement. It equips students to be proactive, responsible citizens who are ready to address our world’s diverse challenges. It transforms student learning by bridging classroom theory with real-world application - providing context and relevance to why they are in school and how they can use the knowledge/skills.

Community service creates an environment for the students to understand what people need and not what they have been told what community members need. Being of service to the community is invaluable. When the students get the opportunity to interact and participate in mutual sharing of resources and ideas, everyone benefits and the students become better people and effective professionals in the future.

My institution has a graduation requirement for a certain number of hours of community engagement (volunteering) for each student, and I always tell my students about an important lesson I learned long ago. Any time I volunteer – it doesn't matter what organization, or cause, or what the work is – I always get more out of it than I put into it. There is nothing like volunteering and getting involved in your community as a way of feeling connected, of having an impact, and of earning a good feeling inside too. I wish I could say that once I learned this lesson I never forgot it, but I have to admit that I've had to re-learn it now and then. But it is worth re-learning.

I have students work with a business, nonprofit, or with the city. The project allows them to apply what they have learned in class and provides them the opportunity to have input into the community that they are living in. The assignment changes every semester, providing students with portfolio items and experiences they would not have through traditional assignments such as research papers and exams.

In my experience, students often learn more about themselves when they volunteer. By creating opportunities for them to learn about others and to offer their time to help, they learn about their interests, what they are (and are not) really passionate about, and how to share their skills with others on a greater scale. By simply committing to helping others, students become both more self and socially aware.

Como coordenador de Psicologia, reconheço que o serviço comunitário, oportunizada pela Extensão, é essencial para o engajamento social dos alunos. Através de atividades de extensão, promovemos um sentido de pertencimento e colaboração, conectando alunos à comunidade e incentivando o aprendizado mútuo. Essas iniciativas não só enriquecem a formação social e profissional dos discentes, mas também cultivam uma consciência ética e um compromisso com o desenvolvimento sustentável. Incentivo estratégias que fortaleçam essas conexões, gerando profissionais conscientes e capacitados para enfrentar e solucionar desafios sociais, tornando a extensão universitária um pilar para uma sociedade mais justa e equitativa.

can foster empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. These emotional and social skills are crucial for personal development and can increase a student's engagement in both their personal and academic lives.

Sense of Community: Community service provides students with a sense of belonging to a larger community. Feeling part of something bigger than themselves can be motivating and strengthen their connection to others. As well as developing social values, participating in service activities allows students to practice and strengthen their personal values. As they face real-world situations, they have the opportunity to align their actions with their ethical and moral principles. Community service not only benefits the community at large, but also provides students with valuable opportunities for personal development and enhanced engagement with their own education and environment.

Como coordenador de Psicologia, valorizo o serviço comunitário como catalisador do engajamento pessoal dos alunos. Essas atividades permitem que os estudantes explorem paixões e fortaleçam sua identidade, enfrentando desafios e reconhecendo suas capacidades. Promovo projetos de extensão que incentivam a reflexão, a gratidão e a compaixão, fundamentais para o desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional. Esse engajamento afetivo, comportamental e cognitivo enriquece a experiência acadêmica, estimulando os alunos a se sentirem parte ativa da comunidade e contribuir significativamente. Através dessas iniciativas, fomentamos profissionais mais completos, conscientes e conectados com a sociedade.

Students can explore their passions, values, and interests outside of the academic setting by actively participating in community service initiatives. Such experiences can ignite a sense of purpose and fulfillment, increasing motivation and dedication towards their educational journey. By actively participating in community service, students develop a deeper understanding of social issues and cultivate empathy and compassion towards others. These experiences contribute to their personal growth, helping them become well-rounded individuals with a broader perspective on the world. Community service benefits students by enhancing their engagement in higher education through positive impact on their own and others' lives.

Community service allows a change in perspective. Many folks act and behave based on their known conceptualization. Having on opportunity to experience a perspective shift and develop empathy is as valuable as academic curriculum. Society is where academics gets put into personal practice. Community service often sis a catalyst for gratitude. Maybe being grateful for where one has come from or maybe a new appreciation for what one has. Community service opportunities often reduces pride and jealousy.

In various courses, I encourage students to engage in community service activities. I offer opportunities for students to speak or present on topics relevant to the course providing knowledge exchange between insights gained in the academic classroom and real-world practical applications. This allows students to share in public speaking, advocacy and to develop as young adults as informed citizens. The goal is to foster student passion for community service not only for professional reasons, but personal as well!

Civic engagement is vital to a well-rounded education, and community service is crucial in this process. Through community service, students actively contribute to the betterment of society, nurturing a sense of civic responsibility. They become aware of the needs and challenges their local communities face and can learn to collaborate with diverse groups to address those issues. Students gain firsthand experience advocating for social justice, promoting inclusivity, and creating positive change. These experiences enhance their understanding of civic processes and instill a deep sense of empowerment and agency in students. Students become active citizens with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become change agents.

Attorneys have an ethical duty to serve their communities and ensure that those who are underserved receive representation. Community service, whether it is in a legal context or not, helps students understand that duty and sets them up to continue that work once they have graduated and are practicing law. Students can and should engage in those activities that best reflect their personal beliefs. There is so much to do and student civic engagement ensures that the next general will take on those responsibilities.

One cannot learn of one’s surroundings by remaining within four walls. Getting out and experiencing life first hand is a great teacher. Sometimes we hear of stories or others problems, but they seem of little importance because they may not impact us directly. In addition, we can personally see others’ successes and aspire to achieve what they have on a level that we can. Also, through community service one can learn of charitable organizations or gaps where a need is unmet.

By integrating community service into the educational experience, schools create a holistic learning environment that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. Students who actively participate in community service are likely to find greater meaning in their education and develop a lifelong commitment to social responsibility.

I've seen tremendously successful community engagement programs at some universities. What they had in common were tight relationships with various community groups - generally there was a theme. Some religious, some to provide for others who were in need of food/shelter, some to improve nature. No matter the causes and all are great, these can be hallmark experiences to attract and retain students to one's institution. Since the pandemic, I and colleagues have seen the new college students exhibiting a "save the world" mentality. They have seen suffering and loss, and many want to help others not experience that. It is a recommended practice to badge or recognize service on extracurricular transcripts to provide evidence of their service.

When students engage in community work mindfully, they become more present and aware of their actions and their impact on others. This heightened awareness fosters a deeper sense of connection with the community and the work being done. Mindfulness practices can help students process their experiences, reflect on the social issues they encounter, and develop empathy. By approaching service activities with a mindful attitude, students are more likely to find meaning and purpose in their efforts, which boosts engagement and satisfaction. Moreover, mindfulness in community service cultivates skills like active listening and compassion, essential for personal and professional growth.

Each citizen should engage in community engagement and service opportunities as they can. Some have more resources and time than others, but we can all take time for others. We don’t live in bubbles nor should we try to. Our communities are at their best when all are involved in social enrichment. We can achieve more together.