What People are Saying
Faculty:
"Students contributed to class discussions by finding meaning in Service Learning. I am reminded to keep actual communities at the heart of my priorities."
"Service Learning really helped my students see the applicability of the subject matter. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their guided journal entries, and they often commented in those entries that they were excited to see the psychological process we were learning about in their real-world interactions. I don't think most of them could have thought about that applicability without the prodding of the journal entries."
"For many students the experience seems to have increased their commitment to service."
"Service Learning is good for the community, fulfills Loyola's mission, is a positive experience for the students."
"Greater relevance for students, good P.R. for Loyola, gives the education students practice in an actual classroom."
"It gives students options in their own learning styles."
"Students who engage in Service Learning appear to appreciate Loyola's commitment to social justice more than others."
"Students who engage in Service Learning seem to engage in course material more effectively. "
"I believe Service Learning has made me a better faculty member in terms of appreciating Loyola's unique place in the community and in terms of forcing me to consistently link theory and practice."
"The program helps stress to young children the importance of staying in school, getting a good education, and then becoming productive members of the community."
"Students were exposed to community needs regarding GED, literacy, and other needs for adults and children."
"Hearing excited stories of something new being learned with each experience."
"The fact that it was an eye opening experience for many -- sensitized them to the disabled in general, and a need for certain resources (e.g. counseling, in the community - important career info for psychology majors)."
"Brings social psychology to life."
Community Agencies:
"The students provided many new ideas for the Habitat ReStore. They also raised potential problems we had not thought of. It was nice to have a fresh perspective."
"Students looked forward to the Service Learners coming. They enjoyed the attention of the one-on-one tutoring. Many of our students indicated academic growth."
"The main positive was the interaction between the Service Learners and the consumers. Each learned from each other."
"Meeting some incredible young adults, listening to them nurture and care for the students they were responsible for. A half dozen Service Learners said they will be back next semester even if it's not for credit."
"The seriousness many took toward their work with students. They would call if they couldn't make it, ask for teachers' suggestions when they perceived a need, and some times brought in 'treats' for 'their' children."
"Students' dedication to their commitments under the Service Learning project."
"The high quality of the Service Learners' work."
"Intrinsic to the program is that it only lasts one semester at a time; however, two volunteers are continuing even though school is out for the holidays. I wish the project could last all year."
"We are thankful to have this opportunity to work with your students. We have a very small staff and rely heavily on partnerships like this one. Thank you!"
"Great! Great! Great!"
"Your program makes my program the success that it is. This site will be recognized as a national exemplary HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed) site. I cannot thank you enough. You are drawing some incredible students from around the nation to your campus and it shows here."
"I viewed working with the students as a positive experience and I would appreciate the opportunity to continue as a Service Learning site."
Students:
"I loved going out into the New Orleans area and I loved being able to help the children."
"I helped out in the community and learned a lot about a segment of the population that I would normally have little contact with."
"It increased my personal communications skills and had a positive affect on youth in my area."
"It helped me learn class material. I felt I did something good for the community."
"I experienced a different socioeconomic setting- it was enlightening. Interacting with high school students today. Learning their hopes, fears, concerns, etc."
"I became more aware of the public school system in New Orleans. I got to teach a class, which I have never done before."
"I got a better understanding of the socioeconomic conditions. Given better perspective of the public school system."
"I enjoyed working with children and establishing a relationship with the students."
"I liked getting to know the kids, learning the issues that affect them, having an opportunity to serve the community."
"It helped my communication skills. It made me knowledgeable of some aspects of the law that I was unaware of."
"I got to work with kids. I got to work outside of the law school. The students actually learned something."
"I learned about students' needs. I learned patience and service. I also learned about my ability to teach."
"I gained an appreciation for the things I have."
"The kids were very grateful to have someone just listen to their stories and be a friend. They loved getting one-on-one help and seemed to respond well to my suggestions."
"I learned how the role of a parent affects a child in many ways. I learned that time spent with a child, even if it's an hour two times a week, does make a difference."
"I got to experience a type of community service that I had never been involved in and see what the problems are with our community."
"Related the topics I studied in my class to the topics I taught in the Junior Achievement Program. "
"I was exposed to something I had never been exposed to before. It made me even more sure that I want to teach. I got to know the kids on a personal level."
"It gave me some real life experience, instead of just learning in a classroom setting. I truly got to touch lives of some of the students and create a special bond with them. The students taught me the necessity to help others is important and means a lot to them."
"It helped support material in class and gave me an appreciation for what I could provide."
"I was unsure about teaching before this class but going out into the classroom, observing, helping children, forming relationships, has really made me want to be a teacher."
"I got to work with wonderful kids who don't get music any other way. It rejuvenated me; after 3 years in the Music Education Program, it is easy to lose sight of the reason you're becoming a music teacher. This helped me remember."
"I was made aware of my bias. I developed touching relationships. I learned a lot."
"Seeing the course material in action helped me a lot on tests. It made me want to volunteer. I continue to work with kids this age."
"I learned about my own weaknesses and strengths."
"I got to spend time with the elderly and I loved working with them. It embraced my idea to go into geriatrics."
