DEVELOPING HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS WHILE STRENGTHENING CAMPUS & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Laura WeaverPurdue University North
CentralService Learning Coordinator
Kathy WojkovichUnited Way Regional Volunteer
CenterVolunteer Center Director
WHAT IS SERVICE LEARNING
“Service-learning is a teaching method which combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service-learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community.”
(Campus Compact)
FURCO DIAGRAM
RECIPIENT PROVIDERBENEFICIARY
FOCUSSERVICE LEARNING
SERVICE LEARNING
COMMUNITY SERVICE FIELD EDUCATION
VOLUNTEERISM INTERNSHIP
SERVICE learning
Sl
SERVICE LEARNING
SL
service LEARNING
sL
KEY ELEMENTS
• Community Partnership– Faculty member and community partner co-
develop a service learning experience to benefit all involved
• Academic Preparation– Prepare students prior to service learning
experience
• Service Experience– Engage students in service activity– Connects directly with the course learning
objectives
KEY ELEMENTS
• Direct Reflection– DEAL Approach: describe, examine, &
articulate learning– Role of the Community Partner
• Student Evaluation– Give credit for learning, not service– Role of the Community Partner
WHO ARE THE PARTNERS?
Students
Community Partner Faculty
BENEFITS TO COMMUNITY
• Provides human resources to meet the needs of the community
• Allows the energy & enthusiasm of college students to contribute to meeting needs
• Fosters an ethic of service & civic participation
• Creates potential for additional partnership & collaboration with the campus
BENEFITS TO INSTITUTIONS & FACULTY
• Enhanced student understanding• Enriches and enlivens teaching & learning• Builds partnerships with & within community• Teaching outcomes become more process
orientated• Provides authentic assessment opportunities• Creates new areas of research and scholarship• Opportunities for professional recognition• Extends campus resources to the community
BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
• Personal growth & development• Social & civic development• Awareness of societal issues• Intellectual development &
academic learning• Career development• Integrates theory with practice• Develops a habit of critical reflection• Fosters teamwork• Brings books to life and life to books
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY PARTNER?
“Community Partners should be respected as colleagues that enter into a partnership that provides mutual benefits and learning opportunities for all. Value the experience and knowledge of both the faculty and the community partner.”
ADVANTAGES FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
• Gain motivated assistance for your organization
• Lead to future volunteers or stakeholders
• Share your expertise and skill as mentors
• Provide a learning experience that makes a difference
• Help develop the workforce of tomorrow
SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION
• Shared Vision – understanding the needs of each partner and developing shared goals.
• Clearly Communicated Expectations – knowing what to expect from each partner.
• Accountability – on the part of the student, community partner, and faculty member
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Commitment – Semesters last 13 weeks although most classes will devote approximately 8-10 weeks to the project
• Well Defined Project – Make sure the workload is realistic and with enough work to last throughout the timeframe
• Provide Orientation – Give them a tour and talk to them about your mission and services you provide
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Mentor/Supervisor – A great mentor to the student(s) will be a resource for them, a good listener, and collaborator that meets with them on a regular basis throughout the duration of the project
• Provide Appropriate Resources• Express Appreciation
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Your #1 Responsibility is…
Communication
Communication
Communication
KEEP IN MIND
• Plan Ahead – faculty prepare their curriculum in advance for the upcoming semester so PLAN AHEAD!
• If Problems Arise – notify your faculty partner as soon as possible so the problem can be corrected.
NOW YOU’RE READY…
Identify Your NeedsRemember to think outside the
box!
EXAMPLES
• Students in a Communications course working with organizations to plan and promote events.
• Students in Computer Information Technology courses developing/managing websites, databases, etc.
• Students in Business courses developing marketing plans, evaluating organizational structures, providing training on a variety of topics, etc.
• Students in Biology/Chemistry courses evaluating medical facilities, identifying and developing materials for various communicable diseases.
• Students in Education courses developing and promoting special events for children and families.
• Students in Construction courses building ramps for wheelchair accessibility.
• Students in Math courses analyzing survey data.
RESOURCES
• Indiana Campus Compact – Supports higher education’s efforts to develop students into well-informed, engaged citizens. By providing programs, services, and resources, ICC serves as a catalyst for campuses and communities to improve people’s lives through service-learning and civic engagement initiatives.
• ICC has 42 member institutions throughout Indiana• In 2010 students on ICC member campuses served more than
3.9 million hours, contributing an estimated $194 million dollars worth of services and resources to Indiana communities.
Indiana Campus Compact…advancing citizenship and
service as critical components of Indiana higher education.
• Visit www.indianacampuscompact.org for more information.
