Service-Learning Coordinator AmeriCorps*VISTA Member Truman State University

What is Service-Learning?  A teaching methodology that utilizes community service to help students gain a deeper understanding of course content, acquire new knowledge and engage in civic activity SERVICE LEARNING

A Mutually Beneficial Relationship SERVICE LEARNING  Students use information and skills gained in the classroom or as part of a student organization  To complete a sustainable service project  For a non-profit or government agency that may not be able to complete the project on their own (limited time, resources, and/or skills)  Students in return learn practical and transformative skills by reflecting on the experience

An Example SERVICE LEARNING  Students in a web design course are learning how to create and manage web pages (add information, graphics, menus, etc.)  As a class project, they must create a web page for a local non-profit organization  The non-profit has minimal web experience, but would really benefit from a functional web page  The students learn Practical Skills: Communication skills by working closely with the non-profit and explaining to the employees how to update, change, and use the website  The students learn Transformative Skills: More information about the purpose of the non- profit organization and people they serve Why service is an important lifetime commitment

Service-Learning Advantage  Co-Curricular Happens outside of the classroom Completed by individuals and student organizations  Helps students: Plan, document, and evaluate their projects Receive recognition for their service Have educational experiences outside of the classroom

Why Service-Learning?  Passive vs. Active Learning Passive: Receive, Memorize, and Generate Information  Example: Studying for a test Active: Receive and Apply Information; Evaluate the Experience  Example: Implementing and operating a soup kitchen VS.

Key Components of Service-Learning  Community Partners Active relationship with a non-profit or government agency  Learning Objectives A significant and clear connection between the service projects and the class/organization  Reflection Time to consider what was learned from the experience (diversity, civic engagement, social issues, personal development, etc.)

Benefits of Service-Learning: Groups, Organizations, and Classes  Engages students: In the Kirksville community and this new endeavor created by the University In active learning that enhances their educational experience  Makes organizations: More competitive for future funding (grants) and awards More competitive on the organization’s national level  Provides support from the S-L Coordinator: Organizational, Conceptual, Monetary Connections with community agencies Time for structured reflection

Benefits of Service-Learning: Academic Enhancement  Useful and transferable skills Organization: From planning and implementing the project Communication: From working with the community partners to meet their needs Among many others “Communication and organization were the skills that were most improved. Never before have I had to stay this organized and in contact with so many people. This service-learning experience has been the most beneficial experience at TSU in my 8 semesters. It gave me insight to the benefits of developing community projects, as well as what it’s like to lead people.”

Benefits of Service-Learning: Academic Enhancement  These skills are important in any academic discipline or future career An important experience for a resume Many employers and graduate schools require students to have experience in their field “This service-learning experience directly relates to my academic program of study, because any opportunity to practice Spanish is a growth experience. More specifically I’m taking an introductory translation/interpretation class. It helped me to have on-site experience. It put all the challenges that we’ve read and learned about in this class into a new light. I have learned more in this service-learning experience than I have in the class.”

Benefits of Service-Learning: Civic Engagement  Service-RelatedSkills Opportunity to connect with and improve the Kirksville community Increased awareness of local social issues Commitment to service in the future “As a result of my participation in [Service-Learning], I have definitely decided that I want to create my own project that can positively contribute to Kirksville’s community and be sustained long after I leave. It was inspiring to see students close to my age make such a tangible impact on the community in which they live.”

Benefits of Service-Learning: Personal Growth  Students may develop enhanced skills Critical thinking and problem solving Empathy, personal values, awareness, self- esteem, social responsibility, etc. “I did learn a lot from teaching in a classroom, but apparently not as much as I did planning this. It was actually sad that I had never planned anything this big before, because I feel like I can go through life a lot better now that I have been through this.…There were a couple of times where communication fell through, but I learned how to better communicate my ideas and it really helped me with getting things together for this summer and for my upcoming internship.”

How to Get Involved  Contact the Service-Learning Coordinator The S-L Coordinator will assist you throughout this entire process  Create and implement the service project Establish a community partner and learning objectives  Complete the project Complete all the necessary documentation  Implement the proper reflection activity

Contact Information   Phone  Office The Center for Teaching and Learning Pickler Memorial Library, Room 204C