The Impact of COVID-19: Faculty Perspectives on Community-Based Learning

Authors

Abstract

Community-based learning (CBL) is a mutually beneficial partnership involving higher education institutions (HEIs), students, faculty, and the community. It provides students with the opportunity to apply academic concepts to real-life situations and community organizations with the opportunity to gain insights from evidence-based theories and current research. Significant changes for HEIs and businesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as online course delivery, business lockdowns, telecommuting, and physical distancing, suggest a large potential impact on CBL practice and increased challenges for faculty members who manage CBL processes. This study explores the faculty perspective on CBL practices with a specific focus on the impact of COVID-19. Findings indicate that both institutions and faculty within them found innovative solutions for overcoming disruptions caused by the pandemic. The findings also indicate a range of practices related to support and training for CBL and overwhelming indicate strong faculty commitment to pedagogical approaches that deepen student learning while also benefiting local communities.

Author Biography

Maureen Snow Andrade, Utah Valley University

Department of Organizational Leadership, Professor

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Published

2022-07-19