Service Learning
One current (and increasingly popular) form of active learning at colleges and universities
is Service Learning. In most cases, Service Learning involves connecting specific courses
and students to community-based organizations that could benefit from the sort of projects
the course may already require of students. Often, for example, technical/business writing
courses team up with area non-profit groups and bring their expertise of document design
to important projects the non-profit is currently working on. In the process, students
gain practical experience to connect their classroom learning to. The links below offer
suggestions for how to get started in service learning, as well as some links to career
enhancing service learning resources for faculty.
About Service Learning
- Definitions of
Service Learning
- A list of definitions from the 2002 version of Campus Compact's "Essential
Service-Learning Resources" Brochure
- What Questions Should I Ask to
Get Started with Service Learning? (Nancy Bragg, CTLT)
- An article originally published in "With Zeal Unceasing"
- Reflection Resource
- The purpose of this site is to provide guidance to educators on using structured
reflection to enhance the learning from service experiences.
- Service Learning Syllabi Links
- Big Dummy's Guide
to Service Learning (Mark Cooper, Florida International U)
- Cooper offers a quick Q&A for faculty and programs interested in service learning.
Some characteristics of service learning: community service connects to classroom
goals and objectives; the project requires time for student reflection; the project
encourages affective reactions in students; and service receives academic credit.
- 101 Ideas for Combining
Service and Learning
- Sections of this page are devoted to various disciplines and include types of courses
taught as service learning courses and contact information for the faculty who have
taught the courses.
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Other Resources
- Publishing Outlets
for Service Learning and Community-Based Research
- Calls for Papers,
Proposals, Presenters, Submissions. . .
- Grants & Fellowships
for Community Service Directors, Faculty or Institutions - National & Regional
- Promotion & Tenure
Resources
- Service Learning: Illinois Campus
Compact