Service Learning at MSUB

What is Service Learning at MSUB?“Service Learning is an educational experience and a teaching method that

focuses on learning through community projects. Projects enable students to apply academic knowledge and critical thinking skills to benefit the community while students gain a deeper understanding of course content and the importance of civic engagement.”

Criteria• Projects must be strongly connected to

course objectives.

• Project is required of all students and is clearly outlined in the syllabus.

• Project benefits the community.

• Project is academically rigorous.

• Formal reflection is deliberate.

• Formal Assessment – grade is based on learning, not just hours of service.

• A goal is to promote civic engagement

Select Inventory of MSUB 2009-2010• NURS 294 – Managing Client Care with Family Tree Center• MGMT 488 – Business Strategies with several partners• MGMT 491 – MUSB Pow Wow• ACTG 435 – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance• COMT 481/581 – Media for social Change with Big Sky

Senior Services Social Marketing Campaign• PSYC 395/495 – Field Experiences (many partners)• HHP 335 – Methods of health Promotion with MSUB

Autumn Health Tune-up• ART 434 – Art and the Environment (TBA)• DSGN 229 and DSGN 230 – Capstone Project with Montana

Heritage Commission

Interior view looking toward restrooms Interior view looking toward front door

View of exterior rail View of typical dorm room

Theme for the Garage –

Early Motor Tourism

Benefits of Expanding• Student benefits– Application of course content– Better understanding of course

content– Enhanced civic awareness

• MSUB Benefits– Unique niche in MUS– Good PR

• Community Benefits

Possibilities

• Do what we have been doing

• Modify other models• Create something entirely

new

Where do we start?

Problems

• What? How? When?• Faculty support– Buy-in (NOT add-on)– New pedagogy

• Administration support– $$$

• Credit & Financial Issues• Staffing• Bureaucratic Turf-wars• Expectations – good and bad

Same as Technology?

Positive Faculty Cycle

Negative Faculty Cycle

How Do We Expand it? Options:

• Prerequisite: – The Right People with the Right Stuff– Clear mandate– Definitive timeline– Encourage faculty buy-in– Administration support

1. Do what we have been doing– Mom & pop operation

2. Focused Retreat– Many minds, short time

3. Task-Force– Fewer minds, longer time