Strategies for Cultivating Community Connections in Education Programs
This discussion delves into ways to connect students with school and local communities, sharing successes, challenges, and ideas for future projects. Strategies include various conversation partner programs, international events, guest speakers, and incentivizing participation. Overcoming obstacles such as funding and personnel, the session emphasizes building community capacity and advocating for student access to resources. Opportunities for partnership with language classes and educational programs are highlighted to promote wellness and community health.
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Presentation Transcript
DISCUSSION: CULTIVATING COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Virtual Roundtable Mindful moment Deep listening To contribute: Raise hand or unmute as appropriate Use chat in response to direct chat Try to avoid chat for additional ideas, questions, side chatter
Lets talk about ways to connect students WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY OBSTACLES & STRATEGIES What is happening in your programs? Successes? Challenges? Ideas for future projects? Things you d like to try? What ifs? Tips?
Session notes: Programs/ Strategies Several variations on conversation partner type programs: 1:1, groups, events, organized, self-sign up, etc. For out of class events/activities: Giving students an assignment -> give students a purpose permission to be there How can we better build community capacity? International day / festival type events could be an opportunity for outreach to larger community Guest speakers great if we can connect them to a resource that is ongoing, available in this way. Observations assignments to get students out into certain places Assignments to go to campus or community events Ss go, report back Group trips to farm markets, community events, etc. -> can this increase likelihood of going later independently) Virtual opens new doors for speakers / students where travel is an issue Virtual events for off campus students Friendship clubs for newcomers by internationals Events by international to reach out to community
Obstacles (and strategies) - notes Some programs not allowed to leave Funding for some events food, tickets, transit Time Personnel Low retention / consistency For Ss on college campuses, sometimes it is about having same status as degree seeking Ss - Ideas: can encourage Ss to go places on own giving information Get funding - have some paid roles Have a dedicated organizer when possible Find partnerships that make it mutually beneficial Incentivize for participants on both ends Advocate for student access!
Resources/Opportunities (notes) Funding Community Health Board Wellness Grants Wellness includes community connection! Connect with language classes, TESL or other EDU programs, international studies, etc course instructors may be able to work out a partnership with incentives (class assignments, extra-credit, etc) For TESL Sss Halifax Public Library always recruiting Can TESL NS offer mini grants for this kind of programming? General feeling was that this would be more valuable than door prizes, for example Others? Share with info@teslns.com and/or share on TESL NS fb.
Thank you! The notes from this session will be shared on the TESL NS website, post-conference. Please stay on the call for brief closing remarks when the breakout rooms close Follow up ideas or questions? Feel free to contact TESL NS with programming ideas: info@teslns.com Or chat with me personally at krista.royal@gmail.com
