Professor Caron Jacobson, 2021 Media Research Institute Fellow, developed a video to advocate the use of service-learning in criminal justice curricula. Service-learning is under-utilized in criminal justice higher education and provides a unique opportunity for criminal justice undergraduate students to interact with justice involved people face-to-face. This pedagogical approach is an effective way to challenge dualistic thinking and build students’ capacity for empathy.
After participating in service-learning projects, students express their desire to support community engagement and get involved in social justice issues pertaining to the field. This interest in community engagement represents their newfound understanding that the experiences and perspectives of others are valid and worth recognizing. Prof. Jacobson hopes to build a more compassionate generation of criminal justice professionals and spearhead social change with this practice.
This program was produced by the Department of Digital Learning & Media Design as part of the Media Research Institute of the Center for Community Media at Governors State University.
