Service Learning in Action

Dale Hartnett (Dept. of Communication)

Mehruz Kamal (Dept. of Computer Science)

Jie Zhang (Dept. of Education & Human

Development)

Definition

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 (The National and Community Service Act of 1990).

Absorb Reflect

Act

Observe/Inquire

Community Partner

Classroom

Individual/groups

Service Learning Model

Service Learning in…Computer Science & Information Systems

IT THERAPY PROCESS

T0

T4

T1

T2T3

T0: Baseline Assessment

T1: Assessment of Challenges & Plan IT Interventions

T2: Apply IT Interventions

T3: Observe & Reflect on Impact of IT Interventions

T4: Impact Assessment

…Winning Strategy

Win-win situation◦ Students

Hands on experience of working with real-world clients

Enforce skills learned in the classroom◦ Community businesses

Receive free IT assistance Establish a platform for sustained IT adoption & use Appreciation of the College’s initiative to assist the

community◦ The College

Strengthen ties and greater presence

Steps forward…

Service learning course◦ “IT for Development (IT4D)”◦ Spring 2012

Learn concepts in class

Students working in pairs with micro-enterprises

Maintaining journals on lessons in each class & after each session with MC

Service Learning in…Education

Field Experience

Course: EDI 4/514 Methods and Materials in Inclusive Classrooms

Student population Field experience (FE) components Course requirements fulfilled in FE Partnership establishment/maintenance

Benefits---- for Students

Individualized, meaningful and real experience; Promotes teamwork , community involvement, and

citizenship; Addresses complex problems in

complex settings; Engages problem-solving in the specific context of

service activities and community challenges; Emphasizes reflective practice within a real-world

situation; Develops leadership

(Eyler & Giles, 1999)

Benefits (cont’d)

For Faculty:◦ Accesses to local schools; ◦ Maintains connections with K-12 practice;◦ Adds teaching materials: Improves teaching;◦ Offers collaboration opportunities: teaching, scholarship, &

services.

For Community Partners:◦ Service, economic and social benefits;◦ Awareness of institutional assets.

Commitment, including time A genuine sense of reciprocity Clear definitions of roles, goals,

activities, and evaluations Student preparation process Consistent & accessible communication Support

Challenges

Service Learning in…Communication