Learning In Action: Creating A Community College Culture Of Service

An Innovative Educators Webinar

Service-learning is an educational program under which students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in a community; is coordinated within the college; helps foster civic responsibility; is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum and provides structured time for the students to reflect on the service experience.

• Improve Grades • Increase Retention• Develop Personal and

Social Responsibility

College Goals

• Providing an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations;• Extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community•Fostering a sense of caring for others

Learning Goals

• Self-Confidence• New Experiences/Taking Risks• Communication Skills• Leadership Skills• Team Work• Application of Learning•Critical Thinking Skills• Professional Development (Appearance/Be On Time)•Awareness of Community• Contacts & References

Student Benefits

• Provides substantial human resources to meet educational, human, safety, and environmental needs of local communities.• Allows the energy and enthusiasm of students to contribute to meeting needs• Fosters an ethic of service and civic participation in students•Creates potential for additional partnerships and collaboration

Community Benefits

GETTING STARTED

DESIGN THE PROGRAM

OUTREACH TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

EVALUATION/REFLECTION

CELEBRATION

Designing The Program

Gain Support of College LeadershipPresentation to CabinetPresentation to Faculty Senate Student Services/Career ServicesID the Champions

Student MotivationPresentation to Student GovernmentClass Presentation PTK

Community OutreachDevelop PartnershipsPresentation at Rotary/Other Service OrganizationsCollege Foundation

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP(NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL)

1.Identify 3 course competencies that could focus on a service learning experience2.Identify 3 specific activities that students could experience in a community agency that relate to the competencies3.Adjusting Curriculum: What current assignments can be eliminated to allow time for alternate service learning activity

4. How much classroom time will be devoted to service learning assignments/activities?5. How much time will be expected of students outside of regular class time meetings?6. Is the activity optional or required?7. If optional, what will be the activity for students who “opt out”?8.Additional 1 credit hour/Program Capstone Course9.Agency partner?10. Start Small

Remember: Academic credit is for learning, not for service Do not compromise academic rigor Set Learning goals for students

A FEW FACULTY CONCERNS

• Liability•Faculty Role•Academic Rigor•Time

SERVICE LEARNING COURSE SYLLABUS ‐CHECKLIST

• Explanation of Service Learning• Why Service Learning in the Course• Community Placements: Student Responsibilities • List of academic objectives related to service learning experience• Alignment amongst (1) learning objectives, (2) classroom activities and homeworkassignments, and (3) student learning assessment• Who/How will Evaluation of Service Learning Impact Course Grade

COMMUNITY AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS

1.Outreach to Agencies2.Orientation3.Agency Coordinator/Contact4.Supervision During Experience5.Communication Plan6.Student Contract (See UT Example)7.What Procedures Need To Be Developed

1. Background Checks2. Student Fee

CHECK LIST FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP1.Form A Partnership Committee—Involve all stakeholders2.Develop mission, goals and objective of service learning program2. Complete Inventory of the strengths and assets of your community 3. Spent time getting to know the community4. Spent time getting to know your community partners (coffee)5. Create a plan to share credit among partnership members?6. Create methods of accountability7.Create a partnership agreement8.Create Site Visit Evaluation9.Create Student Evaluation

Sample Amazing Programs Tax-Help Colorado: Colorado Community College System

Seven Days of Service: The University of Nebraska

Service Learning Clearinghouse: UCLA

Student Evaluation• Agency Evaluation

•Self Evaluation

• Faculty Evaluation

CELEBRATION

RESOURCES

www.compact.org

www.aacu-edu.org

www.aahe.org/service

Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning

UCLA Clearinghouse

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/IDEAS TO SHARE

GERI.ANDERSON@CCCS.EDU