Reflections of the pilot Civic Engagement Module in GMIT

This paper will document details of the pilot module of Civic Engagement to undergraduate programmes delivered by the Hotel School Department in Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology. The ultimate future aim of the School is to embed the module into the curriculum and allow students to gain academic credit for their participation. This paper will detail the experiences of the module leaders and their evaluation of the pilot programme. This module integrates academic theory with community needs and uses workshops, reflective journals and group presentations as a means of assessing the student learning experience and understanding of the subject matter. The students involved in the pilot programme will outline their experience and reflect on their personal development and academic learning as a result of undertaking the module.