This project used podcast equipment to challenge students to create a podcast highlighting the strengths of the Community Policing Center they were assigned to for Laws 2022: Community Based Studies. In the course students are assigned to a Community Policing Center throughout the City of Vancouver, complete 60 hours of work, attend five seminars while completing complementary assignments.
WHAT WERE THE MAIN GOALS OF THIS PROJECT?
The goal of this project was to allow students to engage with their community partners and connect their experience at their Work Integrated placement with what they have been learning in the classroom. The students spend so much time working at their Community Policing Center (CPCs) and there was a desire to collaborate more with these partners on the academic side as well. Also throughout the course students are reminded that cpcs are the subject matter experts when it comes to the community and its assets, so this project aimed to spotlight this expertise.
HOW DOES THIS DEMONSTRATE INNOVATION?
This project demonstrated innovation but providing students with a new way to showcase their learning. By asking students to record podcasts with their community partners they have been asked to highlight their understanding of the community partner, research the neighbourhood they are working in, plan their recording session and demonstrate communication skills. Following the recording students were also asked to edit their recordings, providing an opportunity for them to develop their editing skills as well.
WHAT WERE THE PROBLEMS OR CHALLENGES YOU FACED WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
Managing this assignment throughout the summer proved challenging as this course requires students to be out in the community. This meant that students were not on campus, but meeting and interviewing their community partners throughout the city of Vancouver. With only one set of podcasting equipment this required more coordination with students and community partners. Also in the case of some recordings, it was challenging for students to find a quiet space to record in offices with open concepts. No problems were overwhelming but provided notes and things to consider for the next offering of the course.
LESSONS LEARNED
I learned how excited students can be when you introduce a new form of assessment! This project allowed the students to demonstrate their knowledge and critical reflection in a different way, and they were very engaged in the opportunity. It has challenged me to continue to think creatively about how we can assess students learning.
TECHNOLOGY USED
Podcasting equipment
PROJECT LINK
N/A
