MAKING AN IMPACT:ONE LOVE, ONE CLASS, ONE

COMMUNITYPresentation to the MSU Integrated

Learning GroupMay 6, 2015

ByMs. Jan Strout, MSU Instructor

CLS 102 Engagement Knowledge & Community

CLS Seminars Department

My life goal is to Make A Difference

...a small sample this Semester

Jan Strout with international panelists, March 2015 at the UN

Commission, on the Status of Women, NYC

My life goal is to Make A Difference

...a small sample this Semester

Teaching Philosophy Statement:

My educational goals for students are to:a) learn to think critically about their values, identities, roles on campus and in the community; evaluate sources of knowledge, media, engagement practices and tools; b) think creatively by always being for something by identifying possible solutions in response to the issues that matter most;c) find ways to act upon their responsibilities as a student at our university and as a citizen of our planet.

Fundamentally, Integrative Learning gives students and faculty interactive ways to use the knowledge and tools they are exploring and learning in the classroom with practical engagement in the community to impact the real world with pro-active solutions.

My teaching philosophy incorporates relevance in the curriculum, meaningful purpose, critical and creative thinking methods, action research and personal and collective social responsibility. It is highly interactive, encourages multiple perspectives, analyzes through gendered, multicultural global lenses and encourages risk-taking by exploring personal and social power differences. Praxis – the process of integrating theory with practice or experiential learning - allows students to realize the benefits of their education as students as well as prepare for future careers and address real world challenges.

Why CLS 102?How and Why I came to teaching this

course...

What do CLS courses with Community Engagement mean to our students?

My Biggest goal is just to get people outside… that does the work for you.”

-Faith Doty, Montana Wilderness Association Campus Coordinator

Project RelativityDesigned and executed by Anjeli Doty, at Montana State University,

as an element of CLS 101-19, Jan Strout, Fall 2013.

What do CLS courses with Community Engagement mean to our students?

“My vote isn't going to change the outcome of

an election”

“I'm not required to vote, and I don't have the time to fill out all of the paperwork”

“Because it helps elect government officials”

“Because the president runs the country”

“Elections are rigged anyway so voting won’t change that” (this one made me laugh)

“Because it has the biggest effect on national policy”

“I don't know, it just is”

What do CLS courses with Community Engagement mean to our students?

What do CLS courses with Community Engagement mean to our students?

(continued…)

And mean to the Community in which they are engaged?

MSU EXPONENT

What Have I discovered about Teaching Engaged Knowledge and Community?

Students claim real world relevance in their texts/curriculum;

Students connect knowledge with hands-on learning and wisdom from leaders of all ages;

Students understand knowledge is power and become empowered by their knowledge;

Students become change agents by engaging community issues;

Students positively change the lives of others and their own;

Students realize Research informs and leads to Action; and

Our Community discovers that the kids are all right!

How will I change my CLS Syllabus next year?

Why Does Critical Thinking & Engaging Our Community Matter?

Inspiring Truths and Wisdom that connect across time and space: from Plato to Malala!

The Best way for our humanity and planet to Survive and Thrive!

“For to be Free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and

enhances the freedom of others.”

In Closing…Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) sums it up

best: