Service-Learning Coordinator AmeriCorps*VISTA Member Truman State University

1. Service-Learning Coordinator AmeriCorps*VISTA Member Truman State University

2. What is Service-Learning? A teaching methodology that utilizes community service to help students gain a deeper understanding of course content, acquire new knowledge and engage in civic activity SERVICE LEARNING

3. A Mutually Beneficial Relationship Students use information and skills gained in the classroom or as part of a student organization SERVICE LEARNING • For a non-profit or government agency that may not be able to complete the project on their own (limited time, resources, and/or skills) • Students in return learn practical and transformative skills by reflecting on the experience • To complete a sustainable service project

4. An Example Students in a web design course are learning how to create and manage web pages (add information, graphics, menus, etc.) SERVICE LEARNING • As a class project, they must create a web page for a local non-profit organization • The students learn Practical Skills: • Communication skills by working closely with the non-profit and explaining to the employees how to update, change, and use the website • The students learn Transformative Skills: • More information about the purpose of the non-profit organization and people they serve • Why service is an important lifetime commitment • The non-profit has minimal web experience, but would really benefit from a functional web page

5. Service-Learning Advantage • Co-Curricular • Happens outside of the classroom • Completed by individuals and student organizations • Helps students: • Plan, document, and evaluate their projects • Receive recognition for their service • Have educational experiences outside of the classroom

6. Why Service-Learning? Passive vs. Active Learning Passive: Receive, Memorize, and Generate Information Example: Studying for a test Active: Receive and Apply Information; Evaluate the Experience Example: Implementing and operating a soup kitchen VS.

7. Key Components of Service-Learning Community Partners Active relationship with a non-profit or government agency Learning Objectives A significant and clear connection between the service projects and the class/organization Reflection Time to consider what was learned from the experience (diversity, civic engagement, social issues, personal development, etc.)

8. Benefits of Service-Learning: Groups, Organizations, and Classes Engages students: In the Kirksville community and this new endeavor created by the University In active learning that enhances their educational experience Makes organizations: More competitive for future funding (grants) and awards More competitive on the organization’s national level Provides support from the S-L Coordinator: Organizational, Conceptual, Monetary Connections with community agencies Time for structured reflection

9. Benefits of Service-Learning:Academic Enhancement Useful and transferable skills Organization: From planning and implementing the project Communication: From working with the community partners to meet their needs Among many others “Communication and organization were the skills that were most improved. Never before have I had to stay this organized and in contact with so many people. This service-learning experience has been the most beneficial experience at TSU in my 8 semesters. It gave me insight to the benefits of developing community projects, as well as what it’s like to lead people.”

10. Benefits of Service-Learning:Academic Enhancement These skills are important in any academic discipline or future career An important experience for a resume Many employers and graduate schools require students to have experience in their field “This service-learning experience directly relates to my academic program of study, because any opportunity to practice Spanish is a growth experience. More specifically I’m taking an introductory translation/interpretation class. It helped me to have on-site experience. It put all the challenges that we’ve read and learned about in this class into a new light. I have learned more in this service-learning experience than I have in the class.”

11. Benefits of Service-Learning:Civic Engagement Service-Related Skills Opportunity to connect with and improve the Kirksville community Increased awareness of local social issues Commitment to service in the future “As a result of my participation in [Service-Learning], I have definitely decided that I want to create my own project that can positively contribute to Kirksville’s community and be sustained long after I leave. It was inspiring to see students close to my age make such a tangible impact on the community in which they live.”

12. Benefits of Service-Learning: Personal Growth Students may develop enhanced skills Critical thinking and problem solving Empathy, personal values, awareness, self-esteem, social responsibility, etc. “I did learn a lot from teaching in a classroom, but apparently not as much as I did planning this. It was actually sad that I had never planned anything this big before, because I feel like I can go through life a lot better now that I have been through this.…There were a couple of times where communication fell through, but I learned how to better communicate my ideas and it really helped me with getting things together for this summer and for my upcoming internship.”

13. How to Get Involved • Contact the Service-Learning Coordinator • The S-L Coordinator will assist you throughout this entire process • Create and implement the service project • Establish a community partner and learning objectives • Complete the project • Complete all the necessary documentation • Implement the proper reflection activity

14. Contact Information Email vistamember@truman.edu Phone 660-785-7753 Office The Center for Teaching and Learning Pickler Memorial Library, Room 204C