1. Tiffany Sims Oakland University Michigan Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA Academic Service Learning

2. What is service learning Teaching pedagogy Combines: Civic engagement Volunteerism Community based organizations Creates Community based Learning

3. Civic Engagement Identify & address areas of public concern Takes place on and off campus Encourage students to get involved in the communities around them Service learning encourages civic engagement

4. Volunteerism Work completed by those who are not paid Service learning should go beyond volunteerism Volunteer service completed through service learning should link to the course goals The assignment should not be “forced volunteerism”

5. Community Based Learning Learning from the community Happens off of the university’s campus Allows students to experience the community

6. Key elements of Service Learning Meaningful service Clear connection between course and service Structured reflection Reciprocity Community Partnerships

7. Meaningful Service

8. “I had never realized the kind of poverty that was possible in the United States. We may have left campus but we never stopped learning!” Quote from a student who participated in Alternative Spring Break

9. Clear Connection Students must understand the connection between the course and the service project Link service learning to course goals or learning objectives

10. Structured Reflection Journal entries Class discussion Presentations Impacts of service Outcomes of service

11. Reciprocity & Community Partners Service learning should benefit the community partner, student and faculty equally Developed through students or faculty Oakland University AmeriCorps*VISTA is available to assist with partnerships

12. Benefits of Service Learning Research shows that service learning benefits: Community Organizations Students Faculty University

13. Enhances Academic Learning Enhances ethics of students Academic skills Active process Career education Citizenship and diversity awareness Unique learning environment Immediate application

14. Incorporating service learning Syllabus!!!! Linked to learning objectives of the course Percentage of grade should be appropriate Focus on outcomes over hours What is the overall goal of the assignment? What should students learn trough this experience?

15. Project examples COM 202:Group Dynamics Com 399: 60 hours of service Reading assessments for reading appraisal course Foreign language: teach ESL courses at community center Business class: marketing/business plan for nonprofit organization, job analysis for nonprofit organization Finance/accounting: financial analysis, prepare taxes for elderly Political science: volunteer in representatives office Nursing: volunteer at hospital, hospice, retirement home Computer: develop website or teach basic computer skills

16. Keep In Mind Sustainability Cultural Sensitivity Experiences of students Service Commitments Follow-Up with student and organization

17. Incorporating Service Learning Assignment construction Change or drop another assignment Grading and evaluation Maintain the integrity of the course Reflection Risk and Liability

18. The Office of Academic Service Learning at Oakland University Faculty Fellows Program Michigan Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA Leadership and Volunteer Center-CSA Alternative Spring Break www.oakland.edu/asl www.oakland.edu/volunteer

19. Sources Academic Service Learning Faculty Development Manuel Kathy Stacey, Dale L Rice, Georgea Langer