1. Service-Learning Kate Marie Riddle

2. Service-learning practitioners emphasize the following elements in formulating a definition of service-learning: Service-learning involves students in community service activities and applies the experience to personal and academic development. Service-learning occurs when there is "a balance between learning goals and service outcomes". Service-learning differs from internship experience or volunteer work in its "intention to equally benefit the provider and the recipient of the service as well as to ensure equal focus on both the service being provided and the learning that is occurring". Service-learning course objectives are linked to real community needs that are designed in cooperation with community partners and service recipients. In service-learning, course materials inform student service and service informs academic dialogue and comprehension. Service-learning engages students in a three-part process: classroom preparation through explanation and analysis of theories and ideas; service activity that emerges from and informs classroom context; and structured reflection tying service experience back to specific learning goals. http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/teaching/service_learning/definit ion.cfm

3. Service-Learning makes me feel useful. I get a sense of accomplishment when I help others. I like to be involved, and service learning helps me to be involved. I particularly like to work at the Animal Shelter for my service learning, because someday I hope to work with Animal Shelters. I learned that by helping others, I’m really helping myself to become a better person.

4. Taking the puppies out at the Animal Shelter!

5. Sandy, my dog that I rescued from the Animal Shelter!

6. Billy, the kitty Anna and I adopted from the Animal Shelter!

7. Cooking for Relay for Life 2011!

8. Visiting the Ronald McDonald House with my ADPi Sisters!

9. Benefits of Service Learning- -Increase your understanding of the class topic -Gain hands-on experience (possibly leading to an internship or job later) -Explore or cement your values and beliefs -Have opportunities to act on your values and beliefs -Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills -Grow your understanding of diverse cultures and communities -Learn more about social issues and their root causes -Improve your ability to handle ambiguity and be open to change; become more flexible -Develop or enhance your skills, especially in the areas of communication, collaboration, and leadership -Test out your skills, interests, and values in a potential career path, or learn more about a field that interests you -Connect with professionals and community members who you will learn from -Grow a professional network of people you might connect with again later for jobs or internships -Satisfy your urge toward public service or civic participation http://www.servicelearning.umn.edu/info/benefits.html

10. We Love Service Learning!