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Civic/Community Learning Outcomes (Examples)

Below are examples of civic/community learning outcomes. Every SL experience should address at least one civic learning outcome that aligns with the course.

Civic learning relates to the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to make a difference in one’s community. Some categories of civic learning include issue analysis, cultural self-awareness, community involvement, communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making. See specific examples in the following categories (knowledge, skills, abilities, values/attitudes).

Which one might align with your course and SL project? 

Knowledge

As a result of this SL class, students will be able to describe/explain/analyze the following:

  • COMMUNITY ISSUES: Investigate a local community-identified need and available assets.  Analyze a community issue(s) including potential root causes.
  • DISCIPLINE: Analyze how the discipline or profession can contribute to short-term well being and/or greater long-term social well being. Describe how the profession may inadvertently perpetuate the issue.
  • ETHICS: Develop an understanding of ethical behavior in the context of the profession or discipline with regard to issues of societal well-being.
  • MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES:  Explain multiple perspectives on this issue (e.g. how different perspectives explain the root causes of the issue and possible solutions).
  • POLICY: Analyze how specific policies may influence this issue (think institutional, local, national, or international).
  • COMMUNITY CONTEXTS:  Describe the strengths and challenges of different types of organizations (e.g. nonprofit, public, for profit, etc) which are currently addressing this issue. Identify community-based public and private programs that provide assistance and advocacy.

Skills

As a result of this SL class, students will be able to:

  • Recognize, articulate, and apply an understanding of different perspectives to problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Communicate and listen effectively to people with different perspectives and engage in respectful dialog.
  • Demonstrate intercultural communication skills, reciprocity, and responsiveness.
  • Apply creative thinking and problem-solving to community issues.
  • Translate ideas, concerns, and findings into appropriate and responsible individual or collaborative actions to improve conditions.

Abilities to Reflect – Self and Social Awareness

As a result of this SL class, students will be able to:

  • Analyze one’s own assumptions, values, and stereotypes.
  • Explain one’s social identities and how that may impact their assumptions and interactions.
  • Identify the strengths of people who are different from themselves.
  • Question how their decisions and consumer choices impact this issue.

Values and Attitudes

As a result of this SL class, we want students to:

  • Value multiple perspectives.

  • Reflect on how the context and meaning of our lives have relationships to something bigger.

  • Be willing to question prevailing assumptions.

  • Develop empathy.

  • Model humility.

  • Desire to be involved in public problem-solving activities.