Integrating Service Learning into the Meramec Classroom

1. Integrating Service Learning into the Meramec Classroom “The seeds of knowledge may be planted in solitude, but must be cultivated in public” - Samuel Johnson Biology students plant a “learning lab” garden at Sumner High School

2. What Is Service Learning? • Service-Learning Is … • Doing community service connected to academic courses • Assisting with community needs and acquiring skills along the way • Developing a sense of civic responsibility Brain Waldrop teaches students the proper procedure for cleaning local streams during the SCUEC Stream Clean Meramec students construct a wall for a non-profit office they remodeled Chemistry students performed various demonstrations for middle school science classes

3. Myths about Service Learning Myth #1- Service learning is the same as student community service Myth #2- Service learning is the addition of community service to a traditional course Community Service Service Learning

4. Why Service Learning? • It provides experiential learning opportunities connected to course content • Allows students to explore career options and build their resumes • Helps students develop leadership and communication skills • Increases students’ sense of community inside and outside of the classroom IDS: Do-It-Yourself students make cookies to donate to the Ronald McDonald House

5. What the Students Say… "We have an exciting opportunity to teach other students, and as a result, we teach ourselves.” - Biology student “It helped me realize myself as a member of the community and remind me of a necessity to give to others in need.” - Communications student “It gave me real experience with hands on archeology, using proper forms and procedures, not to mention methods and tools.” - Anthropology student

6. 75 faculty members in the following disciplines use Service Learning in their classes: • Accounting • Anthropology • Architectural Technology • Art • Biology • Business • Chemistry • College Orientation • Communication • Early Care & Education • English As A Second Language • English Comp Students use their accounting skills to help others by doing taxes for community members free of charge • History • Interior Design • Physical Therapy Assistant • Political Science • Psychology • Legal Studies • Nursing • Sociology • Spanish

7. Service Learning Has Four Steps . . . Communications student reads to a senior at Sarah Care Adult Daycare • Preparation : Students and teachers identify community need, conduct research, and make preparations for the service activity • Service : Meaningful service which addresses a real community need and enhances the student’s educational experience • Reflection : Provides opportunity for the students to develop new understanding, skills and knowledge from their service experience • Recognition/Demonstration : Students share their knowledge and accomplishments through papers, presentations or documentaries

8. PreparationBefore Semester Begins • Define course learning objectives, and brainstorm how a Service Learning project will help students meet those objectives • Find a community partner whose mission statement fits your course content by browsing the Community Partner Catalog (www.stlcc.edu/ServiceLearning) or by contacting Donna Halsband, the Service Learning Coordinator Community partner, Theresia Metz, and instructor, Julie High, make plans for next semester’s occupational therapy SL project

9. Community Partners

10. PreparationDuring the Semester • Show students the narrated Intro to Service Learning PowerPoint • Print the Release Form (two pages); have students complete and send to the Service Learning Coordinator along with your class list • Give students Volunteer Hours Report Form • Make sure every student is able to access the service opportunity (reserve vans, etc. if necessary) Volunteers sign release forms for Make a Difference Day

11. ServiceDuring Semester • Facilitate on-going reflections relating servicetocourse content including group discussions, journals, essays, art, or poster presentations • Monitor student participation • Select written reflections to submit for the Service Learning Journal to be published online at the end of the year (send to Pam Garvey at pgarvey@stlcc.edu) ESL students prepare bags for needy families at Circle of Concern

12. Reflection and DemonstrationEnd of semester Instructor, Jan Sago, students, and St. John’s patients conclude the Photo II SL project with a reception to view the pictures produced by cancer survivors • Demonstration/Final Reflection - optional SL coordinator visit • Students complete online evaluation on our website 1 or 2 weeks before the end of the semester • Indicators of civic engagement are available to assess the project's effect on students • Faculty completes End of Semester Report and returns to the Service Learning coordinator

13. Find all the resources mentioned in this presentation at the Service Learning website! • www.stlcc.edu/ServiceLearning

14. Ready to Get Started? • Contact: • Donna Halsband • Service-Learning Coordinator • dhalsband@stlcc.edu • Linda Krull • Assistant to Donna Halsband • lkrull@stlcc.edu • BA219J, Ext. 7893 • or visit the Service Learning website at : • www.stlcc.edu/ServiceLearning