HomeBlogSupporting Neurodivergent and Physically Disabled Students CEL Student Summer Experiences by Kira Campagna December 3, 2024 Share: Section NavigationSkip section navigationIn this sectionBlog Home AI and Engaged Learning Assessment of Learning Capstone Experiences CEL News CEL Retrospectives CEL Reviews Collaborative Projects and Assignments Community-Based Learning Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity ePortfolio Feedback First-Year Experiences Global Learning Health Sciences High Impact Practices Immersive Learning Internships Learning Communities Mentoring Relationships Online Education Place-Based Learning Professional and Continuing Education Publishing SoTL Reflection and Metacognition Relationships Residential Learning Communities Service-Learning Student-Faculty Partnership Studying EL Supporting Neurodivergent and Physically Disabled Students Undergraduate Research Work-Integrated Learning Writing Transfer in and beyond the University Style Guide for Posts to the Center for Engaged Learning Blog This was my first summer participating in the Center for Engaged Learning student scholar experience. In late spring, I applied to be part of the CEL Student Scholar program. For those who may not know, the program consists of a three-year mentorship opportunity where students work with Elon faculty on multi-institutional research topics related to engaged learning. I was lucky to be chosen as one of three student scholars for the 2024-2026 Seminar on Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Students. As I began the summer, I remember doubting myself and feeling under-qualified to help at such an important seminar. I had just completed my second year at Elon, where I am studying to become an elementary educator. While my courses discussed neurodivergent learners, I felt I could only bring my own experience to the research. Pedagogical Partnership Our summer began with a weekly meeting with the leadership team, consisting of my two fellow student scholars, Ben Kraznow and Kaz Kelly, as well as Joanna Rankin (Associate Professor at the University of Calgary), and three Elon professors, Caroline Ketcham, Stephen Byrd, and Jessie Moore. There was also a weekly meeting for all student scholars to discuss common readings and lend advice and support for the three research seminars. At these meetings, I began to understand the roles and responsibilities that would be asked of me as I continued my journey as a student scholar. I was beyond excited once I learned that our leadership team was based on a pedagogical partnership. The term pedagogical partnership was new to me as I began this journey. From what I have learned thus far, a pedagogical partnership in the context of CEL is the ability to allow students to work with Elon faculty as equals, enhancing thoughts and ideas. Opposed to being viewed as a “student,” I felt like a team member, and my thoughts and feelings were openly accepted and helpful for the team. As a member of the leadership team, I have furthered my technical knowledge regarding research methods, research designs, and topic selection, all of which I find fascinating. Working as a Team CEL hosted the first summer research seminar in late June for the “Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Students” study. The week was productive and busy as the leadership team worked hard to ensure the research participants got what they needed to be done and had the opportunity to get to know each other and have fun. Groups spent the week creating their research questions and goals to accomplish over the next year. Often, groups asked for the student’s perspectives on their ideas, which made me feel they truly cared about the topic and the goals of their research. During the week, I met the participants and grew strong connections with the majority of them as we talked about the research as well as common interests. Working alongside the leadership team this summer has been an eye-opening experience. My thoughts and opinions were openly heard, and I also have learned so much in just the first few months. I feel I have grown in my professional knowledge and how I want to change my perceptions. Regardless of one’s educational background or how long they have been in a particular field, everyone should be open to hearing their thoughts and ideas from a variety of perspectives. Doing so can prevent possible biases or make the research more educational than it was thought to be. The Center for Engaged Learning offers a variety of opportunities for Elon students that have lasting impacts. I look forward to continuing this experience and urge other Elon students to apply to become CEL student scholars. About the Author Kira Campagna is a 2024-2026 CEL Student Scholar CEL Student Scholar collaborating with participants in the 2024-2026 research seminar on Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Students. She’s majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Environmental Education. Learn more about the current student scholars. How to Cite This Post Campagna, Kira. 2024. “CEL Student Summer Experiences .” Center for Engaged Learning (blog), Elon University. December 3, 2024. https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/cel-student-summer-experiences/.
