Agency Information
The Mechanics of Service Learning
Faculty members choose to incorporate a Service Learning component within their class curriculum, either as an option or as a requirement. Service Learning offers a continuum of possibilities ranging from a one-time service experience to working with the same agency several hours a week over a course of a semester. The range of appropriate placements is circumscribed by the specific content of the particular course. Helping the local Boys and Girls Club increase the number of children served would be an appropriate placement for a marketing class while tutoring at-risk youth would not.
The faculty member works with the Director of Service Learning to choose a limited number of agencies whose needs are related to his or her teaching objectives. The faculty member also sets a minimum number of hours to be completed and develops a reflective component that may include assignments such as journals, class discussions, readings, and/or class presentations about the service experience.
At the beginning of each semester, the faculty member introduces the Service Learning component to his/her class. Students fill out an application and are given information about placement options. Students choose one of the approved placements based on their interests, schedule, and location. The student then calls the agency to set up an interview.
Adjusting to the academic calendar:
Because service is integrated into a class structure, students must be able to complete their placement within the semester time frame (12-14 weeks maximum). Although the fall and spring semesters are 16 weeks long, it takes a couple of weeks to get students assigned, oriented, and started. Additionally, the last week is devoted to exams. Agencies are asked to adjust by scheduling orientation and training at the beginning of each semester and by developing placements that can be completed in one semester.
