What is the 'community'? Unpacking a familiar concept beyond geography

Arts in the Impact Experience: Exploring arts-based research in service-learning

In this episode of the Impact Experience podcast, host Julius Bautista engages with Dr. Carissa Foo and Dr. Kiven Strohm, both creative practitioners and lecturers at the National University of Singapore College. The discussion delves into how art and the creative process can enhance community engagement in service learning. Through exploring arts-based research (ABR), the conversation highlights the potential of creative practices to foster meaningful connections and insights, encouraging students to embrace uncertainty and vulnerability as part of their learning journey.

What is the 'community'? Unpacking a familiar concept beyond geography

In this episode, Dr. Yi'En Cheng, a human geographer and lecturer at the National University of Singapore College, joins the discussion to explore the conceptual boundaries of "community" with a focus on service learning. The conversation delves into the geographical and social constructs of community, examining both top-down and bottom-up perspectives. Dr. Cheng emphasizes the importance of understanding community as a dynamic and elastic concept, shaped by social interactions, emotional bonds, and power dynamics. The episode also highlights the role of technology in maintaining community ties and the significance of stakeholder mapping in community engagement.

Defining and Measuring Impact: Developing baselines and metrics for real-world change

In this episode of the Impact Experience podcast, host Julius Bautista is joined by guests Swan Ping Poon and Dr. Michelle Lee to explore the intricacies of defining and measuring impact in service learning projects. The discussion delves into the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the development of baselines for real-world change. Together, they share insights on how university-driven projects can create meaningful impact, the challenges of sustaining that impact, and the role of metrics in tracking progress.

Ethics in Community Engagement: Navigating ethical dilemmas in service projects

In this episode of the IEx podcast, Dr. Amanda Blair, a political scientist with over 15 years of experience in conflict-affected regions, shares her expertise in ethics and community building. Currently a Lecturer at the National University of Singapore College, Dr. Blair discusses the application of ethical principles in community projects, emphasizing mutual respect and reciprocity. Her insights are invaluable for those interested in using research to inform projects aimed at preventing and mitigating violence, making this episode essential for anyone committed to ethical community engagement.

Savior Complex, Privilege and ‘Poverty Porn’: From saviours to collaborators

In this episode, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with guests Dr. Nurhidayahti and Dr. Ng Keng Khoon, both lecturers at the National University of SIngapore College. When we engage in service learning endeavors, should we consider ourselves the 'saviors' of the communities we seek to benefit?  Join producer and host Dr. Julius Bautista in unpacking the intricate dynamics of community engagement, focusing on the pivotal concepts of power, privilege, and representation. Explore the themes of poverty porn and the savior complex, as our experts provide insightful perspectives on these critical issues.