Lightbody's four-element framework of equality in community-engaged learning¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 design), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

Lightbody's (2017) framework structures equality in CEL around four interrelated elements: "power-sharing and rep- resentation, partnerships, bureaucracy, and funding and resources". The article adopts it because it is based on a large literature study around CEL and is presented as a practical guideline to enhance equality in CEL. The authors use it as a priori themes to structure their autoethnographic analysis of the CHARM-EU Capstone and to identify gaps and opportunities for equality and reciprocity in ICEL.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A well-functioning bureaucracy that ensures transparency and regulation, and equal partner opportunities to work with or around the bureaucracy
• Sufficient, timely, and shared funding so no partner accesses funding or resources better than others

Constraints¶

• The authors noticed scant attention to positionality and biases in Lightbody's elements, factors they argue are particularly important in international CEL projects with systemic inequalities between partners

Target Learners¶

• Higher education students, staff, and societal stakeholders engaged in community-engaged learning

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Fostering equality and reciprocity in local and international community-engaged learning partnerships

Claims¶

• Developing and delivering an integrated CBL/CEL/COIL planetary health course yielded three key lessons on flexibility, structural reform, and equitable partnerships [+W]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• Incorporate structured reflective exercises on equality, reciprocity, positionality and bias into any (I)CEL exercise for staff and students

Key Sources¶

• Vijge, M. J., Gallagher, S. E., Byrne, J. R., Tschersich, J., Tager, J., Madhavan, U. B., Boshoff, H., & Triyanti, A. (2025). Community-Engaged Learning in a European Universities Alliance: Reflections on Equality and Reciprocity Across Europe and Africa. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 29(2). https://openjournals.libs.uga.edu/jheoe