Molding the next generation of leaders
Shirley Theriot, center, director of the Center for Community Service Learning, talks with students at the Fall Leadership Retreat last week at Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose. Approximately 200 students and 50 faculty and staff members attended the annual event, which is sponsored by the Leadership Center of the Division of Student Affairs. This year’s theme was “Leadership That Changes the World: Brick by Brick.” Students participated in a variety of leadership-centered activities, discussions, educational sessions, reflection and social activities.
CHECK OUT THE UNITED WE SERVE EVENT
“The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of bold projects and new ideas. Rather, it will belong to those who can blend passion, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the great enterprises and ideals of American society.”
- Robert F. Kennedy
PRETEST STUDENT SURVEY NOW ONLINE
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POSTTEST STUDENT SURVEY NOW ONLINE
Please take the survey here
STUDENTS! LOG YOUR HOURS: The form has been moved to the Students page.
FACULTY: Please create your service learning project on the Faculty page.
PARTNER BREAKFAST: PARTNER REQUEST NEEDS (DOC)
WINNER OF THE UT ARLINGTON FACULTY SERVICE-LEARNING AWARD:
Jeff Howard
SERVICE-LEARNING AND CURRICULAR EXAMPLES: SLICE
SPOTLIGHT: Service Learning Faculty Bios
STUDENTS: Log on and record your volunteer hours
STUDENTS: Log on and fill out the Service Learning Student Survey
Service Learning is a teaching methodology that combines conventional academic instruction with participation in direct, meaningful community service. In Service Learning programs students engage in classroom activities and discussions and perform local community service related to their academic coursework. The concept is designed to develop critical and reflective thinking skills and to promote a sense of civic responsibility and commitment to the community.
Service Learning is similar to internships, field work and experiential education Programs, but seeks to go beyond the scope of these through the integration of classroom discussion and other reflection techniques. Effective Service Learning programs have been developed for K-12, high school and college students throughout the United States.
Service Learning is more than volunteering to work for non-profit organizations or participating in community service projects or activities. It is conducted as part of education programs which combine traditional in-class study with outside the classroom community service. Students’ participation is objectively evaluated based on previously determined educational goals. The learning process is further reinforced by various reflection activities, usually discussion and journaling, in which the students are required to analyze and evaluate their experiences.
Service Learning is also different from “Experiential Education” programs and internships. Experiential Education programs are essentially career building exercises in which students develop practical skills and garner valuable experiences to facilitate future employment opportunities. Partnerships are often between local businesses or organizations rather than non-profit or community service agencies. The emphasis in Experiential Education is on skill development; in Service Learning the emphasis is on social consciousness and awareness development, frequently termed “citizenship.”
