ENHANCE – Enhancing Career and Service Learning in Higher Education

Higher education faces a crisis of student dropout and disengagement. Traditional models need a refresh! Enter Community Service Learning (CSL), an innovative approach that merges academic learnin...

This project aimed to activate students and turn them into active citizens who, in turn, develop essential competencies for their future and improve their future employability, while raising their awareness of the realities around them. The ENHANCE project has succeeded in developing a modern CSL system design with digital tools and pedagogical resources. This system will promote students' self-knowledge, empathy and cultural awareness, preparing them to be active citizens, workers and responsible researchers. ICT will be crucial to the implementation of the CSL, increasing the accessibility and relevance of learning. The system offers at all stages of the academic career, supported by tutoring and career guidance services. The project has also contemplated the creation of micro-credentials, recognitions of learning achievements in CSL experiences. These micro-credentials will be student-owned, portable and combinable with other credentials or qualifications. A second project will be developed with the idea of developing international micro-credentials.

Participatory Action Research (PAR): international CSL best practices have been collected through desk research and focus groups with tutors, educators and students. Pilot actions: The CSL system has been established and the model has been tested in five countries through civic programs and social initiatives. Project products have been validated and learning and mentoring resources will be implemented. Its conclusion is born with 14 international CLS project proposals. International training: Tutors have been trained in the CSL model and related digital tools. These tutors act as ENHANCE ambassadors to lead dissemination activities at national and international level. A training module for CSL tutors has been created and shared as a MOOC. Results: A coherent set of models and resources to provide customized and effective CSL programs for student engagement and professional education. A Virtual CSL platform that facilitates learning and collaboration among students, tutors, and community organizations.