Civic or Community-Based Learning

Civic or community-based learning is an approach to teaching and learning that connects education with real and meaningful involvement in the local community, helping learners understand and contribute to society in active, positive ways to build civic knowledge, skills, and responsibility.

This approach brings together academic learning and meaningful community involvement. Learners participate in projects that address real needs in their local area, such as helping at a care home, joining a litter-picking event, or taking part in a road safety campaign near their school. These activities help children and young people understand democracy, responsibility, and cooperation, while building knowledge and skills from the curriculum.

A key feature of this approach is the combination of practical action and reflection. Learners use their academic skills to solve genuine problems, while teachers plan tasks based on community needs and support students in reflecting on what they have achieved. Partnerships with community groups play a crucial role, offering real-life contexts for learning. Reflection is essential; it helps children connect their actions with democratic values and a sense of social responsibility.

This form of learning offers a range of benefits for children, including stronger social responsibility, civic knowledge, and communication skills. Children learn empathy by working with others and develop a sense of agency when they see their efforts matter. Practical projects build teamwork, organisation, and planning skills. Reflective discussions help children understand fairness, rights, and responsibilities.

• Organise a neighbourhood litter-pick and record results for a local group.
• Run a mini fundraiser or awareness session for a local charity.
• Partner with a community organisation to create a simple improvement plan for a shared space.

Civic learning shares place-based learning’s focus on the local context but puts more emphasis on service, democratic participation, and meeting community needs rather than on local study for its own sake.

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For more information, why not try What is Learning Outside the Classroom?

NEN Explain: What is Learning Outside the Classroom?