Civic Engagement & Service-Learning: An Overview Prepared for the MSU / OTC Lebanon Advisory Committee Meeting Presented by Katherine Nordyke, Director Citizenship & Service-Learning Missouri State University March 3, 2015

Civic Engagement & Service-Learning: Where does it fit with the Public Affairs Mission?

Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Mission Ethical leadership Goal: Students will articulate their value systems, act ethically within the context of a democratic society and demonstrate engaged and principled leadership. (Adapted from the Center for Ethical Leadership) Missouri State is preparing students for the future by helping them understand the ethical dimensions of leadership and take what they learn in the classrooms and use it to help solve problems and bring about change. Cultural competence Goal: Students will recognize and respect multiple perspectives and cultures. Missouri State helps students develop cultural knowledge in several ways. Study abroad programs, interactions with international students and opportunities to study different languages, histories and religions, help students broaden their horizons, build relationships and bring about better competition for the future. Community engagement Goal: Students will recognize the importance of contributing their knowledge and experiences to their own community and the broader society. Goal: Students will recognize the importance of scientific principles in the generation of sound public policy. Community engagement lets students branch out and see how the world is working through a different lens, giving them the opportunity to work with their communities and build up their ability to lead in their careers.

Civic Engagement: Where does it fit with Service-Learning ?

Civic Engagement & Service-Learning When education takes a hands-on approach to learning, the result is a more informed, more involved community of future leaders. Service-learning brings substance to our democracy and strengthens the thread that binds our diverse nation. First Lady Michelle Engler, Michigan

Civic Engagement & Service-Learning Civic behavior is the important issues for the country. Democracy requires its citizens to take responsibility and be involved in solving problems, not just during times of crisis, but all the time. Service-Learning involves students in solving community problems, and at the same time, helps them learn and apply reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Frank Newman, Visiting Professor – Brown University

Civic Engagement & Service-Learning The highest standard of an American education is how students use their academic learning to contribute to the advancement of a democratic society of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” for all. Service-Learning is exactly the vehicle for deepening academic learning of students as they make contributions to larger communities. Carl Glickman, chair, Program for School Improvement, University of Georgia

Civic Engagement Civic engagement means: Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities Developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference Promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes “Never doubt the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. That’s about the only way it has ever happened in the past.” Margaret Mead

Civic Engagement Framework

Civic Engagement Occurs through the development of the capacity for engagement within students/citizens Can be taught and measured as civic learning If we think of civic learning as having the components of knowledge, skills, and values we can get a better understanding of what it looks like:

Civic Engagement Civic Skills Civic Values Civic Knowledge

Civic Skills General abilities students develop through community engagement Skills and abilities promote and foster: Critical thinking Communication Public problem solving Civic judgment Civic imagination and creativity Collaboration (a key component of leadership)

Civic Knowledge Consists of political, historical, and civic knowledge gained from both academic and community engagement A key ingredient for civic knowledge is historical knowledge that contextualizes community-based experiences Students gain civic knowledge through their interaction with communities

Civic Values Justice and Equality for all Appreciation for Diversity Inclusive Excellence Respect and Dignity for all Commitment to participation in making the world a better place

How is Civic Engagement Taught ? The underlying aim of civic engagement is to produce meaningful service and experiences for all involved participants Reciprocal relationship between all involved parties Community partners explain their needs Students and faculty work with the community partners to find a sustainable ways to address their need Experience serves as a common ground for students to enhance their scholarship, raise questions and explore alternative solutions with new social consciousness, not only in the classroom but as they move into the world as professionals

Civic Learning = Cultivating… Civic Skills Civic Knowledge Civic Values In order to take Civic Action

Service-Learning: An Overview

Service-Learning

Defining Service-Learning Service-Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. (NYLC, 2001)

Service-Learning

Why Service-Learning ? Service-learning: Engages Students Deepens connections and builds relationships within communities Over thirty years of research shows that service-learning increases student success and retention on college and university campuses Service-Learning Engages Students: They have a better understanding of their course content They get to know & build community relations They gain real-world experience Helps to strengthen career decisions They get to network with industry leaders and service-learning helps to build a strong resume (discuss AAC&U study on what employers look for) Service-learning also increases student skills, sensitivities and commitments necessary for effective citizenship in a global world and service-learning engages our students in community-based problem-solving and addressing social justice issues – locally, nationally, and globally. Additionally, service-learning provides the opportunity for educational institutions come together with community to address identified problems/issues, which in turn increases awareness about the needs of the community partner and the services they provide, and the community partner benefits from the skills and knowledge the students bring to the table.

Characteristics of Service-Learning Positive, meaningful, and related to participants Involves cooperative rather than competitive experiences Promotes skills associated with teamwork, community involvement and citizenship Addresses complex problems in complex settings rather than simplified problems in isolation Service-learning leads to attainable and visible outcomes that are valued by those being served

Service-Learning is Experiential Learning Occurs when students learn by actively engaging in experiences that have benefits and consequences, along with focused reflection (Missouri State Learning Standards, 2010) Students experience practical applications of the material being taught, and develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of thinking - Service-learning falls under the broader umbrella of experiential education (National Youth Leadership Council)

Service-Learning is Experiential Learning What is Happening Now? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTAfHBwW2mk&feature=player_embedded

Next Steps: NO Collaborative Model for Service-Learning between MSU & OTC Goal – To develop a partnership model for service-learning in Lebanon

What questions do you have or comments you would like to share? Questions & Comments What questions do you have or comments you would like to share?

Contact Information: Katherine Nordyke, Director Citizenship and Service-Learning (CASL) Missouri State University PSU 131 (417) 836-5774 KatherineNordyke@MissouriState.edu