Getting Sandy

John Fordham

Service-Learning

• An experiential educational method in which students participate in an organized service activity meeting community needs and reflecting on the service activity in such a way as to:

• develop critical thinking skills • develop an enhanced sense of civic

responsibility. http://www.servicelearning.eku.edu/

Benefits of Service Learning• Enriches student learning of course material and "brings books to life and

life to books".• Engages students in active learning that demonstrates the relevance and

importance of academic work for their life experience and career choices.• Increases awareness of current societal issues as they relate to academic

areas of interest.• Broadens perspectives of diversity issues and enhances critical thinking

skills.• Improves interpersonal skills that are increasingly viewed as important

skills in achieving success in professional and personal spheres.• Develops civic responsibility through active community involvement.• http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/servicelearning/benefits.htm

Benefits of Service Learning• Increase your understanding of the class topic• Gain hands-on experience (possibly leading to an internship or job later)• Explore or cement your values and beliefs• Have opportunities to act on your values and beliefs• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills• Grow your understanding of diverse cultures and communities• Learn more about social issues and their root causes• Improve your ability to handle ambiguity and be open to change; become more flexible• Develop or enhance your skills, especially in the areas of communication, collaboration,

and leadership• Test out your skills, interests, and values in a potential career path, or learn more about a

field that interests you• Connect with professionals and community members who you will learn from• Grow a professional network of people you might connect with again later for jobs or

internships• Satisfy your urge toward public service or civic participation

Benefits of Service Learning• Young people gain access to the range of supports and opportunities (or

developmental assets) they need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. One study of youth civic activism found that these settings had particular strength in cultivating youth and community involvement (Lewis-Charp et al., 2003).

• Increased sense of self-efficacy as young people learn that they can impact real social challenges, problems, and needs.

• Higher academic achievement and interest in furthering their education.• Enhanced problem-solving skills, ability to work in teams, and planning

abilities.• Enhanced civic engagement attitudes, skills and behaviors. Many leaders

in public service today speak about how they were nurtured, inspired, and shaped in early experiences in community service or volunteering.

Benefits of Service Learning

• makes curriculum relevant to students' lives • clarifies values • promotes community and civic responsibility • encourages multicultural awareness • develops critical thinking and problem solving

skills • fosters social and personal development • builds a community within the classroom

My Service Learning

• The golf team at Valdosta State helped fill divots after several golf tournaments at Kinderlou Forrest Golf Club.

• Doing this gave me a feeling of accomplishment and gave the team bonding time.

My Service Learning

• In addition to filling divots I caddied for a player on the professional golf tour in the Nationwide Tournament at Kinderlou Forrest.

• This experience gave me the opportunity to meet new people and broaden my horizions.

Service Learning

• Overall, service learning is a very good thing for anyone who is given the opportunity.

• Service learning not only makes a person feel good about themselves but also gives that person a chance to make new connections.

The End!