ServiceLearning 101: An Introduction for Students

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Service-Learning 101 An Introduction for
Students
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Service-Learning at SMC is

• A specific form of teaching and learning in which
  students engage in purposeful actions that
  address community goals. Through critical
  reflection students integrate the action with
  academic objectives to develop civic
  responsibility and social justice.

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Service-Learning at SMC is NOT

• Volunteering service is a way of teaching and
  learning, just as reading and written assignments
  or exams which are required in a course. Plus,
  requiring you to volunteer is an oxymoron!
• An add-on for every credit hour of a course,
  there is an expectation of out-of-class work
  service, like other required assignments, is
  completed outside of the classroom.
• An internship this form of effective
  experiential education is primarily designed as
  opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery
  of skills for professional licensure or
  certification.

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What makes S-L different
Service-Learning connects the head through
learning about the what with the heart through
reflection about the so what with the hands
through action for the now what.
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Service-Learning Lasallian Education

• Service-Learning exemplifies the Lasallian
  tradition by combining quality education with
  service to the
• community for the
• purpose of achieving
• social justice.

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Types of service in Service-Learning

• Direct service Student interacts directly with
  clients from an organization (reading to
  students, collecting oral histories).
• Indirect service Service is not provided to
  individuals but the service benefits the
  community (students create marketing materials
  for an organization).
• Advocacy Students create an awareness of a
  community issue (writing letters to the editor,
  attending and reporting on city council meetings).

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What will S-L really look like for me?

• Your service will be linked to course learning
  objectives and community goals
• You will receive an orientation to the service
  and community setting
• You will participate in reflection throughout the
  course (class discussions, journaling, etc.)
• Your learning and community goal attainmen will
  be assessed
• Your service will provide opportunities for
  personal academic growth

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Roles Responsibilities in S-L

• What is expected of YOU
• Professional behavior and adherence to the
  community partners rules and procedures
• Attendance at an on-site orientation provided by
  the community partner
• Confidentiality of the community partners
  clients at all times and adherence to safety and
  ethical practice guidelines
• Consistent service throughout the term
• Regular communication with supervisor
• Accurate recording of service hours (log)
• Notification of site supervisor, in advance, if
• unable to report to site or delayed

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Roles Responsibilities in S-L

• What you can expect from your Instructor
• Articulate learning and service objectives
  connected to S-L
• In-class orientation to service-learning,
  specific course-based project(s), the community
  setting
• With the assistance of CILSA, keep in contact
  with site supervisors and respond promptly and
  appropriately to student and/or community partner
  needs, concerns, problems, etc.
• Integrate reflection throughout
• the course
• Assess student learning and
• community goal attainment

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Roles Responsibilities in S-L

• What you can expect from your CP Site Supervisor
• Provide an in-class and/or on-site orientation to
  the mission and goals of the organization and the
  issues being addressed
• Explain the S-L project and how it meets
  community and organizational needs
• Familiarity with course content and timeline and
  interest in your learning
• Supervise and meet regularly to give feedback and
  receive updates
• Provide feedback on student performance at terms
  end

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Roles Responsibilities in S-L

• What you can expect from your CILSA ELF
• Serve as a liaison between students, instructor
  and community partners
• Provide assistance for students making initial
  contact and starting service
• In-class check-ins with students to discuss
  progress, trouble-shoot, learn whats working
• Phone consultations/on-site visits with community
  partners to discuss progress, trouble-shoot,
  learn whats working
• Consistent office hours (for drop-ins)
• Assistance with reflection, if requested
• End-of-term evaluation assistance
• Some things an ELF does NOT do
• Grade papers
• Assess quality/impact of student service

Tim Huey
Brad Parry
Lorena Gutierrez
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Through service-learning, you will

• Behave professionally and ethically.
• Take more responsibility for your learning.
• Be counted on by numerous people. When you dont
  turn in assignments in traditional classes, only
  you get hurt with a lower grade. Dont let others
  down!
• Squirm learn when you encounter new and
  sometimes uncomfortable situations. Thats OK!!!
  
• Interact with a diverse group of people.
• Benefit from interacting with community members
• just as they will benefit from interacting with
  you.
• Make a difference!
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