Combining challenge-based learning, community-engaged learning, COIL, and cross-university collaboration in one course design

Design · All designs
Evidence · 2 claims (1 for, 1 mixed) · 2 studies (2 design), q1–q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

The article presents a course-level design pattern in which societal engagement (via CBL and CEL), a global challenge, and collaboration (via COIL and a cross-university collaboration) are combined. "Figure 1 shows a visual conceptualization of the similarities and differences between the different approaches to societal en - gagement used to design this course," and Figure 2 summarizes how these approaches were integrated within the course. CBL structures experiential learning through engage, investigate, and act stages, while CEL emphasizes long-term reciprocal partnerships.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• A societal partner connected to one of the involved institutions to facilitate trust and partnership sustainability
• Flexibility, adaptability, and open-mindedness from both educators and students
• Engagement of administrative and education policy representatives who have the networks or knowledge to navigate organizational divisions between and within institutions

Constraints

• In the first editions of the course these components were integrated independently of each other
• These structural barriers should be anticipated and mitigated early, as compartmentalization hindered effective collaboration, communication, and streamlined decision-making

Target Learners

• higher education students from multiple universities and countries
• higher education students enrolled in cross-institutional courses

Target Goals

• interdisciplinary, international, and intercultural collaboration; transformative competencies

Claims

• Developing and delivering an integrated CBL/CEL/COIL planetary health course yielded three key lessons on flexibility, structural reform, and equitable partnerships [+W]
• Cross-sector education partnerships that overcome common challenges are characterized by shared goals, mutually reinforcing activities, and effective communication [~W]

Related Patterns

• Interdisciplinary Societal Dilemma Units

Examples

- - Combining challenge-based learning, community-engaged learning, COIL, and cross-university collaboration in one course design - Project Management Tools for Group Work

Key Sources

• Addison, J., Mangnus, E., Cunanan, D. J., Downward, G. S., de Jong, L., van de Kamp, J., Llamas, C. A., Guinto, R. R., & Browne, J. L. (2025). Advancing Societally Engaged and International Planetary Health Education: Innovations, Lessons, and Recommendations for Educators. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 29(2). https://openjournals.uga.edu/jheoe

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	cbl-cel-coil-cuc-integrated-course-pattern
title	Combining challenge-based learning, community-engaged learning, COIL, and cross-university collaboration in one course design
description	The article presents a course-level design pattern in which societal engagement (via CBL and CEL), a global challenge, and collaboration (via COIL and a cross-university collaboration) are combined.
status	review
moved_from	principle/cross-university-collaboration-structural-administrative-reforms
generated	by process:wiki-ingest on 2026-09-26
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — addison-2025

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