Community-Based Learning: A Foundation for Meaningful Educational Reform

Abstract

Perhaps more important than the views of adults are the views of young people about themselves and their schools. Students often complain that their classes are irrelevant, not related to what occurs outside of the classroom, and lacking opportunities for hands-on applications. They feel they are treated as children instead of being given adult responsibilities. They feel cut off from meaningful relationships with caring adults. As a result, they are often unmotivated to study and view education as something imposed by adults rather than an exciting opportunity for them to develop their skills and contribute to others. In short, there is a growing consensus that change is needed in education, not only in reforming what is taught but also in how and where it is taught.