Igniting the Fire: Dynamic Service-Learning

1. Igniting the Fire: Dynamic Service-Learning

2. Service-Learning as Pedagogy • “Academic service-learning is a pedagogical model that intentionally integrates academic learning and relevant community service.” (p. 57) • It is “a method under which students learn and develop through thoughtfully organized service that…meets the needs of a community and… helps foster civic responsibility….” (p. 7) • Introduction to Service-Learning Toolkit. 2nd Edition. Campus Compact. 2003.

3. Service-Learning is Engaged Scholarship • “Students’ observations and experiences in the community setting are as pivotal to the student’s academic learning as class lectures and library research. In this integrated model, the service and the learning are reciprocally related; the service experiences inform and transform the academic learning, and the academic learning informs and transforms the service experience.” (p. 57)

4. Successful Academic Service-Learning • Carefully designed syllabus with intentional Service-Learning objectives • Student Reflection • Community partner 4. Class Discussion/ Evaluation of SL process

5. Effects of Service-Learning Research in Higher Education Student Feedback: Hospice was “one of the most important learning experiences of my entire life.” Service-Learning is “ a very effective way to learn.”

6. Synergistic Classroom • Dynamic • High energy • Lively discussion • Students teach and learn • Instructor teaches and learns • A teaching/ learning community • Academic and experiential learning