What is Service Learning? Prepared by Dr. Brian Shmaefsky Lone Star College Kingwood
2Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood Service Learning in a Nutshell “A teaching and learning strategy that integrates volunteer community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. It is transactive process between the student, instructor, and the community.”
Other Names for Service Learning Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood3 Civic Commitment Civic Engagement Community Service Community-Based Learning Experiential Education
What does Service Learning do? Promotes higher-order learning through active participation Provides structured time for students to reflect Provides an opportunities to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations Extends learning beyond the classroom Fosters a sense of caring for others 4Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
Qualities of Service Learning Positive, meaningful, and realist uses of course content Cooperative and noncompetitive experiences that promotes teamwork and citizenship Deals complex problems in actual settings rather than simplified problems in isolation Engages problem-solving and critical thinking in the specific context of service activities and community challenges 5Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
Dynamics of Service Learning Student need the following from service learning projects: –Clear expectations –Structured template –Involvement in the processes –Variety and flexibility of activities –Relevance to the curriculum –Acceptance and respect while carrying out the project –Concern for their Goals 6Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
Key Elements of Service Learning* Reciprocity: The service learning must be worthwhile and valuable for both the student and the community Reflection: Intentional, systematic reflection about the experience must take place in order to ensure achievement of the community service experience. Reflection encourages introspection of other aspects of the student’s life related to the volunteer experience 7Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood *Nicholas Holton Kirtland Community College
What does Service Learning Look Like? Students volunteer providing health information at local assisted care center Students researched the types of information they will provide Students share the results and offer suggestions for the assisted care center Students evaluate and reflect on their experience 8Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
Service Learning is Not… Periodic volunteer projects unrelated to the course content Completing minimum service hours in order to get a grade or graduate Service assigned as a form of punishment A one-sided activity benefiting only students or only the community An internship or apprenticeship 9Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
How to Carry Out Service Learning * Consider the courses you teach and determine how community service might be helpful to enrich learning in that discipline. With service sites or activities in mind, consider your goals and motives in using the application. Based upon your motives, goals, and objectives, choose a course service option. 10Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood *Nicholas Holton Kirtland Community College
How to Carry Out Service Learning* Once you have chosen how service will be incorporated, review and alter your course objectives and syllabus to reflect the change On the first day of class, explain and promote the ideas behind including Service Learning in your class. Explain the benefits to the student and the community 11Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood *Nicholas Holton Kirtland Community College
How to Carry Out Service Learning* Work with students to develop specific service and learning objectives for their service experiences. On the first day of class, explain and promote the ideas behind including Service Learning in your class. Explain the benefits to the student and the community Teach students how to harvest the service experience for knowledge 12Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood *Nicholas Holton Kirtland Community College
How to Carry Out Service Learning* Link the service experience to your academic course content through deliberate and guided reflection Evaluate your Service Learning outcomes as you would any other product. 13Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood *Nicholas Holton Kirtland Community College
Integration of Service Learning Service learning projects can be applied to a college education in the following ways: –Individual or group service –Required within a course –Optional within a course –Required discipline area capstone project 14Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
Best Practices* Bound directly to the academic curriculum Meets a real community need Provides for structured group reflection time Engages students in group decision making and problem solving Finds ways to match the skills and talents of students with the needs of the community. Provides a wide variety of options for students. Provides recognition for services rendered. Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood15 *Nicholas Holton Kirtland Community College
Value of Service Learning Research shows that service learning… –Improves academic grades –Increases class attendance –Increases course retention –Develops individual and social responsibility –Fosters future civic engagement 16Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
Resources 1 National Youth Leadership Council – Learn & Serve America – National Service Learning Partnership – 17Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
Resources 2 Campus Compact – Corporation for National & Community Service – 18Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood
Resources 3 Community College National Center for Community Engagement – American Association of Community Colleges – Search “Horizons Service Learning” 19Dr. B. Shmaefsky - Lone Star College Kingwood