COMBINING SERVICE AND LEARNING Clinical Rotations Sandra P. Daley, M.D. Assistant Dean of Diversity and Community Partnerships University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

PREAMBLE We are a nation founded upon active citizenship and participation in community life. We have always believed that individuals can and should serve.

USEFUL DEFINITIONS Community Service Programs Direct services that respond to critical human and environmental needs

USEFUL DEFINITIONS Cont’d Service Learning: Programs that emphasize the accomplishment of tasks which meet human needs in combination with conscious educational growth

USEFUL DEFINITIONS Cont’d A philosophy of education that Emphasizes active, engaged learning Explores a social vision, Acknowledges social responsibility Develops an approach to community (1969 definition from the Southern Regional Educational Board)

Factors that Distinguish Service Learning Critical Reflection: Encourages participants to see their actions within the larger context of issues of societal justice and social policy rather than charity (“doing for”)

Factors that Distinguish Service Learning Reciprocity: Both server and those served teach and both learn The needs of the community determine what the service tasks will be Dynamic and interactive creating a sense of mutual respect and responsibility

Experiential Education All service-learning programs are experiential education programs but all experiential education programs do not have the service emphasis An important distinction when designing clinical rotations

Principles of Good Practice In Combining Service and Learning 1. Engages people in responsible and challenging actions for the common good - Active participation, accountability, risks, consequences

Responsible and Challenging Action Students select clinical site Clinical experience is part of core clerkship Students understand expectations for performance Students identify reasons for choosing this experience

Principles of Good Practice In Combining Service and Learning 2. Provides structured opportunities for people to reflect critically on their experience - Intentional, continuous group discussions, individual reflections on moral questions and relevant issues with feedback from peers, program leaders and persons served

Principles of Good Practice In Combining Service and Learning 3. Articulates clear service-learning goals for everyone involved - Through negotiations with all parties and in the context of the culture, determine what is to be accomplished and what is to be learned.

Clearly Articulate Goals Clerkship directors, clinical staff, and students Formalize goals Prepare syllabus Provide time for activities designed to meet the goals

Principles of Good Practice In Combining Service and Learning 4. Allows for those with needs to define those needs - Community groups, community service programs, government agencies, private organizations in order to: a) not take jobs from local community b) involve tasks that would not be done c) focus on tasks and approaches that area viewed as useful

Principles of Good Practice In Combining Service and Learning 5. As the program is developed clarify responsibilities of each person and organization involved 6. Match service providers and service needs through a process that recognizes changing circumstances - Feedback, evaluation, unintended outcomes

Principles of Good Practice In Combining Service and Learning 7. Expects genuine, active, sustained organizational commitment - Administrative support, budget, physical space, equipment, scheduled release time, in schools linked to curriculum, faculty commitment 8. Includes training, supervision, monitoring, support, recognition, and evaluation to meet service and learning goals

Principles of Good Practice In Combining Service and Learning 9. Insures that the time commitment for service and learning is flexible, appropriate, and in the best interest of all involved 10. Committed to program participation by and with diverse populations - sensitivity to barriers such as transportation, family, safety, ability to make a contribution

References Kendall J and Associates: “Combining Service and Learning, A Resource Book for Community and Public Service” Vol I, Vol II, 1990 Brush D, Markert R, Lazarus C. The Relationship Between Service Learning and Medical Student Performance Outcomes.  Teaching and Learning in Medicine 18 (1), 9-13, 2006.  Elam C, Hafferty F, Messmer J, Blue A, Flipse A, Lazarus C, Chauvin S:  “Medical Students’ Perspectives on the Nature and Meaning of Community Service” Journal of Experiential Education Vol 26,  No 3, 2004

References Cont. Lazarus C, Krane K, Bowdish, B: "An Innovative Partnership in Service" Academic Medicine (July, 2002) Burrows M, Chauvin S, Chehardy P, Lazarus C:  “Required Service Learning for Medical Students: Program Description and Student Response,” Teaching and Learning in Medicine, Vol II, No. 4, 1999 Lazarus C:  “Implementation of a Foundations in Medicine Course,” Teaching and Learning in Medicine, Vol II, No. 3, 1999