Towards a core curriculum for civic engagement on appropriate technology: Characterizing, optimizing and mobilizing youth community service learning

Abstract

Young learners represent a source of renewable energy that could benefit communities worldwide. While there are a growing number of isolated case examples of successful community engagement projects led by youth and their educators from around the world, a gap remains regarding a mechanism by which these projects can be connected to share best practices. In this article, we introduce a core curriculum for civic engagement (CC4CE) that can serve as a mechanism to bring various community engagement projects together through collaborative learning networks. The focus of an ongoing international research project, the primary objectives of the CC4CE are to (a) optimize school-led community improvement initiatives worldwide, (b) support youth and adult learning across academic disciplines and, (c) promote the development of 21st-century knowledge transfer skills. The design of the CC4CE is particularly suited for guiding community collaboration and implementation of appropriate technology through service learning. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research methods, and the discipline of Integration and Implementation Science are utilized to guide collaboration and teamwork within CC4CE networks and social action during community outreach. Development of the CC4CE seeks to empower learners with the skills and confidence needed to take-on the mounting social and environmental challenges of our time.

Keywords:

• appropriate technology
• civic engagement
• education
• service learning

ORCID

Enrico J. Wensing http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4499-1283

Michelle Virgo http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1212-1312

Additional information

Funding

Enrico J. Wensing was funded by NSF (National Science Foundation) Award # 1128004 and #1355914.