In what ways can universities around the world mobilize their resources to create more just and prosperous communities, while at the same time educating civic leaders? This collaboration from university professors, community partners, and students looking to inspire higher education reform seeks to answer that question. Regional Perspectives on Learning by Doing offers a diverse array of innovative teaching and research strategies from engaged universities—from Australia, Egypt, Malaysia, Mexico, Scotland, South Africa, and the United States—that demonstrates how learning by doing elevates students’ consciousness and develops their civic capabilities. While dealing creatively with pressing societal challenges, university students and others are learning together how to operate effectively in high- conflict situations; fashion bold approaches to combating poverty, promoting sustainability, and elevating public health; organize coalitions for change that bridge social and economic divides; and strengthen democratic decision-making in local communities and higher levels of governance. Students and teachers alike will gain valuable insight into building thriving communities as well as the tools to do so.
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments
Foreword, Derek W. M. Barker
Preface
Introduction
Brigadas Comunitarias at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Querétaro, Mexico: Some Values Are Universal, by Ernesto Benavides Ornelas, María Fernanda Pacheco Bravo, and Brianda Hernandez Cavalcanti
The Activate Program in Glasgow, Scotland: A New Way of Thinking and Being in the World, by Margaret Fraser and Helen Martin
Amplifying Community Voices in South Africa: Nurturing Transformative Leaders through Dialogic Action, by Joseph Francis and Hlekani Muchazotida Kabiti
The Refugee Action Support Program in Sydney, Australia: A Bridge between Cultures, by Loshini Naidoo and Eric Brace
The Kampung Tekir Project in Seremban, Malaysia: Worth All the Difficulties That We Have Encountered Thus Far! by Koh Kwee Choy and Wong Chin Hoong
Lazord Academy in Cairo, Egypt: Pedagogy for the Practice of Freedom, by Nelly Corbel, Rana Gaber, and Amy Newcomb Rowe
Living Democracy in Rural America: Engaging Students as Citizens, by Mark Wilson and Marie Cirillo
Contributors
Index
About the Author :
Lorlene Hoyt is the Interim Executive Director of the Talloires Network, a global coalition of 363 engaged universities in 77 countries. She is also an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University with a secondary faculty appointment in the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life.
Review :
“An inspiring vision of how universities around the world can create more just, equitable, and prosperous communities. Hoyt and her collaborators demonstrate how seven universities on six continents strive to tackle pervasive challenges to civic life, such as racial injustice, poverty, and illiteracy, by deploying unconventional research and teaching methods. This is a fundamental guide for activist scholars dedicated to the practice of civic engagement and social responsibility.”
—Alan D. Solomont, former U.S. Ambassador, and Pierre and Pamela Omidyar Dean, Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Tufts University
