Implementing community-based learning activities in a medical college

Workplace-based learning refers to a kind of learning experience that a student gets exposed to in their workplace settings (viz. outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, emergency rooms, community, etc.). Community-based learning refers to the learning that happens in community settings. Community-based learning experiences imparted to medical students is extremely crucial to produce competent health care professional. A number of stakeholders are involved in the community-based learning process, including medical students, teachers, and members of the community, and these are also supported by the administrative, transport, and housekeeping staff members. In the process to streamline and strengthen the delivery of community-based learning experiences to students, it is vital that all these stakeholders work in collaboration with each other. Similar to clinical learning, community members should occupy the center stage, and teachers should employ those teaching-learning strategies that enable the active engagement of students and provide an enriching experience for them.