Service Learning Overview

Mission

The Eastfield College Service Learning Program gives students practical learning experiences through community service and civic engagement endeavors.

Goals

  1. Provide relevant learning experiences
  2. Encourage community service and civic responsibility
  3. Support excellence in teaching
  4. Foster community partnerships
  5. Provide meaningful benefit to the community

Service LearninaWhat is Service Learning

Service Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful, direct community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. Because service learning incorporates academic learning and reflection components, it goes beyond the scope of field experience or volunteering.  Students’ service experience is evaluated based on learning outcomes. Students are required to analyze and evaluate their learning experiences with an emphasis on civic responsibility and citizenship.

Aspects of Service Learning:

  • Partnership – The service and learning must be worthwhile and valuable for both the student and the community.
  • Learning – The community service activity must support the students’ classroom learning.
  • Reflection – Intentional, structured reflection of the experience must take place to accomplish meaningful learning in community service experiences.
  • Meaningful engagement – Service tasks need to be worthwhile and challenging to strengthen students’ critical thinking.

Service Learning roles

Student:

  • Be open to learn about the community and agency
  • Be prompt, respectful, and positive at the service site
  • Call if you are going to be absent or late—with valid reason
  • Fulfill agreed upon duties and assignments at the community location
  • Reflect upon your service-learning experience and how it relates to the learning objectives of the course and to your personal and career goals.
  • Communicate effectively with your site contact person about any concerns or questions relating to the service responsibilities.
  • Be flexible: Circumstances at an agency are not always predictable, so be prepared to adapt to changing situations.
  • Participate in the evaluation process.
  • Complete all paperwork required by Eastfield College Service Learning Program, your professors, and the agency partner.

Faculty:

  • The first week of class, clarify to students the requirements/options for Service Learning in the course and include the information in the course syllabus.
  • Explain to students the benefits of Service Learning and how participation will be evaluated in the course.
  • Communicate with the contact person at the partner agency.
  • Provide appropriate means for student reflection on service learning experiences.
  • Communicate course objectives to the Service Learning Coordinator so she may assist in identifying appropriate agency partners.

Agency Partners:

  • Provide information about your agency and the duties required of Service Learning students.
  • Provide appropriate training and/or orientation for students.
  • Make sure service activities are relevant, challenging, and worthwhile.
  • Ensure a safe work environment.
  • Accurately complete appropriate paperwork for the Service Learning Program, including signing student time sheets.
  • Communicate with the Service Learning Coordinator concerning issues or needs related to student(s) serving with the agency.
  • Provide feedback to faculty and/or the Service Learning Coordinator about student performance.

Important Dates

Service Learning Enrollment Period for Students
January 17 –February 17, 2012

Last Day to Participate in Service Learning Activities
April 5, 2012

Deadline to submit Timesheets, Reflection, and Post-Service Questionnaire
9 p.m.
April 30, 2012

Final Exams
May 7 – 10, 2012