Community Engagement in the Curriculum

Abstract

The purpose of this session is to assist teachers in any and all disciplines with incorporating community engagement requirements, assignments and/or projects into their courses, classes and syllabi. Community engagement in the curriculum must focus foremost on community needs but must also have a real potential to result in "academic products," such as course assignments, posters, talks, papers or grant proposals.

Biography


Paula Dronen serves as the assistant dean and an associate professor of architecture in the School of Architecture & Interior Design at Andrews University. One of her areas of responsibility is program and curriculum development within the professional degree program(s). She has served on the Community Engagement Council since 2017.


Charity Garcia is an assistant professor of Curriculum & Instruction at Andrews University. She is passionate about developing teachers and resources that are prepared to meet the needs of all learners, particularly the most at-risk students. She also is interested in the intersection of education, spiritual development and trauma-informed educational practice.


Gus Gregorutti is a professor of leadership and higher education in the Department of Leadership at Andrews University. His research focuses on faculty research productivity, higher education in Latin America and emerging trends that promote a well-rounded person in universities.

Desmond Hartwell Murray is associate professor of chemistry at Andrews University, chemistry instructor for Berrien County Math Science Center, founder of Building Excellence in Science and Technology (BEST Early; bestearly.com), lead editor and author of the book "The Power and Promise of Early Research," and co-chair of the Andrews University Community Engagement Council. Murray has mentored over 1,000 students in early research experiences he describes as "incubators of innovators." He has also incorporated community engagement into teaching and research via public science initiatives. His work was recognized in 2012 by the Michigan Science Teachers Association College Science Teacher of the Year award.


Melissa Ponce-Rodas is an assistant professor of psychology at Andrews University. Her area of specialty is community psychology, a field that goes beyond an individual focus to understand and change people and organizations. She has taught introduction to psychology, human development, history and systems of psychology, community psychology, social psychology and practicum in psychology. Her research focuses on the intersections of faith and culture on domestic violence and mental health stigma. She also consults on numerous community projects at Andrews and in Berrien County, and she recently led a mental health mission trip to Puerto Rico after the devastation of the 2018 hurricane season.

Location

BUL207

Start Date

8-16-2018 2:00 PM

End Date

8-16-2018 4:20 PM

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Aug 16th, 2:00 PM Aug 16th, 4:20 PM

Community Engagement in the Curriculum

BUL207

The purpose of this session is to assist teachers in any and all disciplines with incorporating community engagement requirements, assignments and/or projects into their courses, classes and syllabi. Community engagement in the curriculum must focus foremost on community needs but must also have a real potential to result in "academic products," such as course assignments, posters, talks, papers or grant proposals.