Early in course planning, instructors need to reach out to potential community organizations to explore potential projects. Below are suggested topics to discuss. Please also review Tips for establishing positive community connections.
GOALS
- Share course goals and learning outcomes
- What are organization goals and potential projects that might connect to course goals?
PROJECT DETAILS
- Discuss students’ capacities (what skills and knowledge can students contribute to a project?)
- Number of students available (could students work as a group or individually?)
- Share course timelines and deadlines
- Brainstorm possible SL experiences or projects that will help the organization AND allow students to achieve course learning outcomes e.g., practice a skill, apply a theory, engage with a population, etc
- Outline the project scope and parameters (desired outcome, tasks, # hours, timeline, location, and evaluation)
- Discuss community partner involvement, including class visits, expected interactions with students, check-ins with instructors
POTENTIAL BARRIERS
- What resources might a student need to participate in this SL project/experience? For example internet, phone data, transportation, time availability during certain window, or community connections
- For students who don’t have access to these resources, what options or alternatives can you design so students do not face barriers? (For example: Can you provide those resources? Can you open another time window or location? Can students do a behind-the-scenes aspect of the project?)
STUDENT PREPARATION AND SUPPORT
- What skills and knowledge will students need to be successful?
- What orientation and training can the organization provide, and what preparation should the instructor facilitate as part of the course?
- What supervision will be needed? Who will be the onsite supervisor for students?
- What information or access to data/sources will students need? Can the organization provide that in advance?
- Identify safety and risk management considerations
COMMUNICATION
- Method/frequency of exchanging feedback between instructors and the organization, including checking in and debriefing (and celebration!)
- How might you sustain this partnership long-term? (same project but different layer or slice, or connect the organization or project with a different class? The SL office can try to connect them with another course.)