CNERG: Community-engaged writing initiative

Suzanne Rintoul, PhD & Brooke Pratt, PhD,  School of Interdisciplinary Studies

The primary outcome of this research is a praxis-informed guide for developing community-engaged writing projects at Conestoga. This guide provides a foundation for the sustained development of community-engaged writing curriculum in support of faculty, students, and community partners. Moreover, as it contributes to building the college’s relationships in the Waterloo Region (and beyond), the guide will enhance student learning in multiple ways.  

Because community-engaged writing allows for more meaningful connections to course materials, it results in a clearer understanding of core communications concepts (such audience and purpose), improved skill acquisition, and enhanced critical thinking. Community-engaged writing projects also contribute ethical solutions to community problems through promoting writing and literacy as tools for public awareness, expression, and dialogue, thus encouraging students to become more engaged citizens.