Service Learning: What is it and how can it enhance student learning? Kim Buch Psychology

Overview Introductions Definition of Service Learning (SL) Types of SL Benefits of SL Components of SL Getting Started with SL Resources for SL on Campus Summary and Transfer of Training Questions/ Comments on Agenda?

Introductions Name Department Experience with SL Plans for SL in future What do you want to gain from today’s workshop?

Definitions of SL “A method of instruction in which classroom learning is enriched and applied through service to others” “A method of teaching that combines formal instruction with related service in the community” “A pedagogy that integrates structured experiential learning into a course or curriculum” SL is one of the most widely used and effective “engagement pedagogies” in higher education

Benefits of SL in Higher Education For Students – Higher academic achievement (GPA, retention, graduation) – Enhanced problem-solving skills, leadership, ability to work in teams, planning and communication skills – Enhanced Self-esteem and efficacy; Reduction of prejudice and stereotypes – Greater satisfaction with college and learning – Job-related skills and career preparation For Campuses – Increases student performance, retention, engagement – Improves student learning outcomes – Addresses issues of access and diversity – Contributes to Institutional Mission and Goals For Communities – Meets real needs and priorities for individuals and communities – Develops engaged citizens – Contributes to workforce development For Faculty?

Types of SL Experiences Direct Service – Tutoring, mentoring, volunteering, working with clients/patients/staff – Examples in your field? Indirect Service – Philanthropy, clean-up, construction, data collection – Examples in your field? Advocacy – Lobbying, speaking, performing on behalf of others – Examples in your field? Which seem most suited to your students and discipline?

Necessary Components of SL Service Experience – Service projects embedded in a course – Internships Processing the Experience Without Processing, community service/experiential learning is NOT SL

Kolb’s Model

Processing Facilitate students’ making connections between their service and the course content and learning objectives Structured opportunities for learners to critically reflect on their experience Promotes personal examination of beliefs, values, opinions, assumptions, judgments and a deeper understanding of them Allows students to construct their own meaning of the experience and its significance for future actions

Processing Strategies Discussion & Reflective Writing most common and versatile strategies All focus students on 3 questions: – What (facts of the experience) – So what? (analyze the experience) – Now what? (consider the future impact of experience on self and others)

Getting Started with SL: Preparation Think, Write, Share – What courses do you teach that are compatible with SL? – What learning objectives could be enhanced through SL? – What departmental goals/SLOs could be enhanced with SL? – What benefits of SL most appeal to you? – What other faculty might make potential partners in SL? – What kinds of service sites/ organizations/ activities might work for you and your students? – Other concerns/comments?

Getting Started with SL: Processing Think, Write, Share – What kinds of Processing Strategies might work well for you and your students? – How can these be incorporated into your course content and grading? – What kinds of traditional teaching strategies can support/ enhance the SL experience (e.g., readings, assignments, speakers, cases, etc.)? – Would a workshop on Processing Strategies be useful? – Other concerns/comments?

Summary SL is a proven pedagogical strategy consistent with UNC Charlotte’s Mission and Goals – QEP; Community Outreach; Engaged Scholarship SL has many proven benefits for all stakeholders Is compatible with SoTL and there are MANY journals (across disciplines) that publish SL work SL projects would qualify for SoTL grants SL is very versatile and is used extensively in ALL disciplines There is on-campus support (even $!) for SL

SL Resources On Campus – Campus Compact (meets monthly; listserv) Contact Denise Smith – SL Designation through University Course & Curriculum Committee (transcript notation for approved courses) – AACU Bringing Theory to Practice Grant to Promote Civic Engagement and Service Learning on Campus (sponsors workshops and speakers; stipends to faculty to incorporate SL into courses) Contact myself or Susan Harden – Volunteer Outreach Office Contact Sean Langley – CTL

SL Resources On-line – National Service Learning Clearinghouse – Campus Compact – American Association for Higher Education (AAHE) – Bonner Foundation

Transfer of Training Think, Write, Share – What is the next step in applying what you learned today? – What support/resources/information do you need to apply what you learned today? – What is a realistic timeframe in applying what you learned today? – What obstacles do you foresee in applying what you learned today?