Service Learning SLS 2940 / SLS 2940H / Integrated

Service Learning – Noun …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. Service Learning allows students and faculty to blend educational goals with their passions

Where does Service Learning fall under the Experiential Learning umbrella? Service Focus Learning Service-Learning Source: Furco, A. (2003). Service-Learning: A Balanced approach to experiential education. In Campus Compact, Introduction to Service-Learning Toolkit. (pp ). Providence, RI. Campus Compact. p. 12. Community ServiceField Education VolunteerismInternship Adapted from Signmon, R. L. (1994). Serving to Learn, Learning to Serve: Linking Service With Learning. Washington, D.C.: Council of Independent Colleges.

Service Learning Academics Pre- professional Civic Engagement PersonalReciprocity Essential Components of Service Learning

Types of Service Direct - Involves student action which fills the immediate needs of the community. Students learn from the experience of interaction and observation and not necessarily from the skills required for the service Indirect - Addresses community needs indirectly, typically through research, organizing, and/or administrative action Advocacy - Efforts result in eventual changes in the social, political or environmental conditions contributing to community needs Source: Nitschke-Shaw D. & Ziesler, Y. Faculty Guide to Service-Learning. Campus Compact for New Hampshire

Benefits of Service Learning LEARN through hands-on work in a non-profit community environment. EXPLORE career options, gain work experience and make job contacts. DEVELOP connections with people of diverse cultures and lifestyles. IMPROVE self-confidence by becoming an active citizen in your community. EARN recognition for service hours on transcripts and at graduation.

Recognition Transcripts - All service hours are recorded on student transcripts in addition to the course prefix and grade received for their Service Learning course. Medallions - Students who complete a minimum of 40 service hours receive a medallion to wear at graduation. Bronze medallion: 40 service hours Silver medallion: 60 service hours Gold medallion: service hours

Service Learning Courses at Valencia SLS Students receive 1 credit hour for every 20 service hours they complete. Student will be expected to meet with their faculty mentor periodically throughout the semester and complete extensive research and reflection on their service experience. SLS2940H - This course is part of the Honors College Leadership Track. It involves the same work as SLS2940, while also satisfying one Honors Program learning outcome. Honors Program permission required. Integrated - These are traditional courses that have been integrated with a service experience that will help meet the course outcomes. The number of service hours varies by course and are up to the professor’s discretion. – Course Search Tool - For a list of available Service Learning courses, please visit the Credit Class Schedule Search and check the box for Service LearningCredit Class Schedule Search

Navigation More information about Service Learning and access to the application for SLS2940 and SLS2940(H) can be found on our webpage at:

Thank you! The Office of Curriculum Initiatives Robyn Brighton, Director of Curriculum Initiatives Douglas Taylor, Staff Assistant II