Forming networks key to CBSL project success

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A successful Community-based Service Learning project (CBSL) forms networks among schools, community members, and other teachers to give students positive and educational experiences, agreed teachers at this year’s CLC Teacher Institute.

The conference, held on Jan. 21 and 22, brought together teachers from across the province to share ideas and build stronger connections for their own CBSL projects.

Melissa Laroque, a grade five teacher at the Gault Institute in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, said hearing about successful projects from other schools encouraged the creative use of resources specific to a region, especially in communities with limited finances.

“We come from small areas and you hear about other schools like, ‘Oh, they have salmon,’” she said, referring to a salmon-spawning project at Gaspé Elementary in Gaspé, QC. “You really have to work with what you have.”

During a brainstorming session on enhancing CBSL projects, white poster paper decorated with rainbow-coloured Post-it notes and felt markers outlined the aspects that worked and others that needed improvement.

Actively involving students and building self-esteem were among the list of priorities echoed by many educators.

“You have to be passionate,” said one teacher. “But the fact is, students need to be passionate, too”.

You can view photos from the CLC Teacher Institute by clicking here.

Learning how to engage students at the Institute

Teachers and coordinators will congregate in Montreal this week for the annual CLC Teacher Institute. Over 75 teachers and coordinators from across Quebec will be taking part in the event, happening Tuesday, Jan. 21 and Wednesday, Jan. 22.

This year’s conference is all about engaging students in the community. Day one includes a panel of teachers discussing and sharing Community Learning Centre Institute and Community Based Service Learning projects.

In the afternoon, participants will have the difficult task of choosing one of the following field trip locations: the Concordia University greenhouse and Éco-Quartier Peter-McGill, the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre, the McCord Museum exhibits or the Redpath Museum with a video conference with the Royal Botanical Garden.

The second day will feature a human library with 12 individuals and groups sharing expertise. The afternoon will be used for planning future CBSL projects.

The conference continues to grow, which is exciting for The Community Learning Centre Initiative and CBSL. Be sure to check back in the coming weeks to see some of the CBSL projects shared here on the blog!

The Community Learning Centre Initiative

Community Based Service Learning Institute

Engaging students in our community

Nouvel Hotel – January 21-22, 2014

1740 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, QC