Service Learning & Syllabi
We are currently integrating service learning into our curriculum and I wondered if you've had success with that. I imagine having service learning on a course syllabus would be a way to attract students, knowing that they are going to have the opportunity to give back to their community. Would you agree?
Hi Gail,
Thank you for sharing this example of service learning. As I have mentioned before service learning is a big part of what we do with our students. This really helps the students to see the relevancy and transferability of what they are learning plus as you say they get to give something back to the community.
Gary
I added a service learning component to my Introduction to Humanities course last quarter. I remind my students that the humanities are about human creativity, which is shared throughout a culture or society. I gave them some options of things to do, and they selected a project I already work with, creating lap quilts for several charities. We had a 2 hour session, which worked quite well. This quarter I'm adding the requirement to some of my other courses.
I remember as a nursing student having a community service project at a senior center. It was a great opportunity for the students to learn about interacting with people and trying out the basic vital signs skills we had learned in the classroom. We were apprehensive at first but soon discovered that the clients enjoyed the experience and chance to interact with students.
I definitely agree that service learning can be an effective way to attract students.
Hi Amy,
I am a big fan of service learning and use it extensively in my courses. It really helps students to see the transfer of knowledge and skills from the classroom to real life. Community centers are always looking for help and our students get to learn about different neighborhoods by working in them.
Gary
