April 19, 2011 Paul H. Matthews, Ph.D. | Shannon O. Wilder, Ph.D. | Integrating Academic Service- Learning in your First-Year Odyssey Seminar
Linking FYOS and Service-Learning FYO Goal 1: Introduce students to learning/academics and engage in academic culture; “assignments and discussions will encourage reflection…” FYO Goal 2: Meaningful dialogue to “encourage positive, sustained student-faculty interactions” FYO Goal 3: “introduce students to the instruction, research, public service and international missions” of UGA; service-learning explicitly recommended here
What is Academic Service-Learning?
Academic Service-Learning Service learning is a course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students: participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs, and reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility. __________ (Bringle, R., & Hatcher, J. (1995). A service-learning curriculum for faculty. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 2, pp )
Dimensions of Learning in Academic Service-Learning Critical reflection Personal (Personal Outcomes) Civic (Social Outcomes) Academic (Learning Outcomes)
Reflection… “What?”— “So What?”— “Now What?”
So, A Service-Learning Course... is characterized by student participation in an organized service activity is connected to specific learning outcomes meets identified community needs provides structured time for students to analyze and connect the service experience to learning through critical reflection benefits all stakeholders…
Benefits for Students
Benefits for Faculty
Benefits for Community & Institution
To think about when constructing a service-learning course: Engagement Reflection Reciprocity Public Dissemination
Considerations and Concerns for SL in a First Year Odyssey Seminar Transportation Logistics Time management
Considerations and Concerns for FYOS and Service-Learning Finding a Project Partner Figuring Out Best Practices
Service-Learning Project Examples
More Possible Connections for your FYOS Service Activities… 1. Latino Initiative 2. School and Community Gardens 3. Archway Partnership 4. Campus Kitchen/ACCA 5. JJ Harris Elementary School; “Whatever it Takes” 6. Community organizations listed in HandsOn Northeast Georgia’s web portal
So, Some Summary SL Syllabus Suggestions Include details on the service activity (need, nature, assessment) Specify roles and responsibilities Prepare students for community work Assignments link the service placement and the course content Public dissemination/celebration of students’ work
Where Can I Learn More? Contact us at the Office of Service-Learning: Dr. Shannon O. Wilder, OSL Director, Dr. Paul Matthews, OSL Assistant Director, OSL Website: We can add you to the Service-Learning listserv, & invite you to the Service-Learning Interest Group OSL provides various resources as well
“I truly believe that there is no greater education than service learning; experience such as this, is something you could never learn from text books or multiple choice exams. You are able to learn and grow as a student while doing some good in our community and helping make the future brighter for many [others]; what more could you ask for?”