Students will be more engagecd and satisfied if they are able to choose the types of activities in which to participate. They may have no interest in the environment or a particular segement of the community but could be passionate about others. They will be more likely to be present, wrok harder and continue with civic engagement when they can choose the type of activity.
Offering a student options keeps them involved in their learing process...They can pick sites that will be most beneficial to them and their future career..
When there is choice there is a better chance of increased enthusiasm and commitment. If a learning opportunity is forced and pre-chosen, then they may be conflict with the goals and values of the student and the community project. The student should be vested in the project and this vesting process starts with choice.
Hi Robert.
You have articulated one of the most salient aspects of both teaching and service learning: keep students engaged and they will learn.
Thank you.
Trent Bartholomew
It demonstrates a commitment on the part of the institution and it can energize the population and cause students to feel good about the learning opportunities available to them. Ultimately, an engaging experience will lead to higher retention, improved learning and more qualified graduates placed in good jobs.
I agree that allowing the student choose from a menu will be a more positive outcome for all. They will select an area of interest or a subject that they might want to research more for their career.
No matter how well we as faculty think we know our students there are some things we don't know. Allowing students to have a choice will allow them to target their learning in an area that is of personal interest or curiosity. It may be a safe way for them to see first-hand that an area is a good or maybe not so good career path. Sometimes we don't really know where our strenghts and passions are until we try them out. Learning that an area is not something we are suited for while in the safety of college is a good thing and may help our students clarify their focus for their career.
Students like to feel like they have a choice, and that the choice they are making is an important one. When students aren't given a chioce they tend to feel apathetic and less interested in the outcome of the opportunity.
Creating a menu gives student the opportunity to chose an area of interest which they are passionate about. Passion builds moltivation. Once a students are moltivated they put in their best effort
Service learning can definelty inspire passion in the subject matter. The service learning must be relevant to the class. It needs to focus on the class content.
The menu helps student choose a service learning program that they perfer or they like. Some students may want to participate in administrative or clinical service learning. Some areas of service learning may meet different criteras and objectives. The community interaction helps the school and the students.
It gives students options. This allows them to explore new areas or environments that they might not have been exposed to before.
Ruben,
Thank you for mentioning the importance of letting student choose the SL activity. Can you share best practices on making this happen?
Trent Bartholomew
Ruben,
Thank you for mentioning the importance of letting student choose the SL activity. Can you share best practices on making this happen?
Trent Bartholomew
Students will have more of a buy-in if they can choose a particular service learning opportunity. They won't feel it is simply a task required for course completion. If the student feels they can guide their own experience through choice, they will invest more into the opportunity and take more away from it.
Not all students are the same. By offering different types of service learning to students they should be able to find a way in which to shine by showing off their skills.
A menu of service learning opportunities helps students choose a area of interest/place to go to participate with in his/her communities.
Not all students interests, skills and career paths are the same. By offering various types of service learning opportunities to students they will be able to hopefully find one that meets their personal needs. In addition, these same students might see something available that they never would have thought about doing thereby opening their minds to new opportunities.
Students will be more passionat and engaged if they are able to pick an area that is relevant to them. Providing a menu of options gives students a more active role in their experience. They will be more successful if they are tryly interested in the project that they have choseen.
It's always good to give options so someone can find the area that they want to participate.
