A Service-Learning course in one in which service to an outside non-profit organization is tied to the learning outcomes of the course. This might be in the form of community service, structured reflection, specific projects, or a combination of all three.
Yes. Keene State has many opportunities for students to become involved in Service. Students can learn about these at the Community Service Fairs or by contacting the office of Community Service.
Not necessarily, but maybe. As Service-Learning offers the opportunity to work with and for an agency, students might find themselves desiring to spend more time with the agency than required. Also, because the projects are real world projects, students often find they want to do the best job they can do in order to best serve the needs of the agency. This often entails students spending more hours and time getting the project completed than if they were just simply handing in something for a grade.
Although this may be considered by some to be more work, it also can be very rewarding. Many students have found their Service-Learning courses the highlight of their college experience. Some have even made career decisions based on the experience.
Again, it depends. Just as the length of a research paper varies from course to course, so does the amount of service in a Service-Learning class. Typically, it is recommended that two hours of service per week for ten weeks of the semester is reasonable for a three-credit course. However, instructors may design a daylong group service project, or ask that students complete a designated number of service hours to meet the expectations of the Service-Learning class (Hatcher, 1998).
Hatcher, J.A., Ed. (1998) Service-Learning tip sheets: A faculty resource guide, Indiana Campus Compact: Indianapolis, IN.
Contributed by JoAnn Campbell, Community Outreach and Partnerships in Service-Learning, Indiana University.
It depends. In some Service-Learning classes the service experience is an integral part of the course. Students who choose to enroll in this type of Service-Learning class are expected to participate in the service activity. In other Service-Learning classes, the service component is an option and may replace other class assignment (Hathcer, 1998).
Hatcher, J.A., Ed. (1998) Service-Learning tip sheets: A faculty resource guide, Indiana Campus Compact: Indianapolis, IN.
Contributed by JoAnn Campbell, Community Outreach and Partnerships in Service-Learning, Indiana University.
Service-Learning provides an opportunity for students to be actively involved in the learning process and is a way to develop personal and leadership skills through service to others. As students participate in meeting community needs, they can explore educational and career choices. Service-Learning creates the opportunity for students to build positive community connections (Hatcher, 1998).
Hatcher, J.A., Ed. (1998) Service-Learning tip sheets: A faculty resource guide, Indiana Campus Compact: Indianapolis, IN.
Contributed by JoAnn Campbell, Community Outreach and Partnerships in Service-Learning, Indiana University.