Integrating Service Integrating Service Learning into the Meramec Learning into the Meramec

ClassroomClassroom“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

WHAT IS SERVICE WHAT IS SERVICE LEARNING?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

Myth #2- Service learning is the addition Myth #2- Service learning is the addition of community service to a traditional courseof community service to a traditional course

Myths about Service LearningMyths about Service Learning

Myth #1- Service learning is the Myth #1- Service learning is the same as student community servicesame as student community service

Community Community ServiceService

Service Service LearningLearning

WHY SERVICE LEARNING?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

What the Students Say…What the Students Say… "We have an exciting opportunity to teach other students, and as a result, we teach ourselves.”

- Biology student

“It gave me real experience with hands on archeology, using proper forms and procedures, not to mention methods and tools.”

- Anthropology 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

• Accounting• Anthropology• Architectural Technology• Art• Biology• Business• Chemistry• College Orientation• Communication• Early Care & Education• English As A Second Language• English Comp

• History• Interior Design• Physical Therapy Assistant• Political Science• Psychology• Legal Studies• Nursing• Sociology• Spanish

75 faculty members in the 75 faculty members in the following disciplines use following disciplines use Service Learning in their Service Learning in their classes:classes:

Students use their accounting skills to help others by doing taxes for community members free of charge

I. Preparation : Students and teachers identify community need, conduct research, and make preparations for the service activity

II. Service : Meaningful service which addresses a real community need and enhances the student’s educational experience

III. Reflection : Provides opportunity for the students to develop new understanding, skills and knowledge from their service experience

IV. Recognition/Demonstration : Students share their knowledge and accomplishments through papers, presentations or documentaries

ServiceService Learning Learning Has Has Four Four Steps . . .Steps . . .

Communications student reads to a senior at Sarah Care Adult Daycare

PREPARATIONPREPARATION

BEFORE SEMESTER BEGINSBEFORE 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

Community PartnersCommunity Partners

PREPARATIONPREPARATIONDURING THE SEMESTERDURING 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

SERVICESERVICE  DURING SEMESTERDURING SEMESTER

Facilitate on-going reflections relating service to course 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

REFLECTION AND REFLECTION AND DEMONSTRATIONDEMONSTRATION

END OF SEMESTER END OF SEMESTER

o Demonstration/Final Reflection - optional SL coordinator visit oStudents complete online evaluation on our website 1 or 2 weeks before the end of the semester

o Indicators of civic engagement are available to assess the project's effect on students

o Faculty completes End of Semester Report and returns to the Service Learning coordinator

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

Find all the resources mentioned in this presentation at the Service Learning website!

www.stlcc.edu/ServiceLearning

Contact:

Donna Halsband Service-Learning Coordinatordhalsband@stlcc.edu

Linda Krull Assistant to Donna Halsbandlkrull@stlcc.edu

BA219J, Ext. 7893

or visit the Service Learning website at :www.stlcc.edu/ServiceLearning

Ready to Get Started?Ready to Get Started?