I am sometimes approached by faculty members asking if Service-Learning would work for their class. In truth, it 
won’t work in every situation. We’ve put together a three post series to help you decide if Service-Learning is appropriate for your curriculum and how to best implement it, thoughts on how to redesign your course to fit Service-Learning, and how identify what learning you will be facilitating through the project. These posts are based on information from a worksheet produced by Ed Zlotkowski of Bentley University and all information is credited to him.
The first part of Ed’s development exercise deals with establishing a Community-Based Project and it’s value. Before this can be done however, you must identify your course objectives. Make sure they are clear, measurable objectives. Now taking those objectives, can you identify a community project that could complement those objectives? If you can’t find a project that meets your objectives then Service-Learning is probably not a good fit for your class. That’s okay! Service-Learning won’t fit every situation. It’s a tool and like all tools you can’t use the same one for everything.
If you have come up with a potential project for your class great! Now, how will the project enhance your class? Really think about this and come up with some concrete reasons. This may be in the form of reinforcing course content or skills such as critical thinking. Think about what you will tell your students. What is the rationale you would give them for doing this project?
The last piece for today involves your community partner. Have you talked to them at all? If not, now is the perfect time! Have a discussion with them about whether or not they have needs that can be met through your proposed project. Establish the concrete benefits for the community agency and/or the community in general. In order for Service-Learning to be effective, all partners must benefit equally so this step is key. (Check out #4)
Our next post will discuss course design so stay tuned!!
[...] and how identify what learning you will be facilitating through the project. Be sure to check out the first post on whether or not Service-Learning will work in your class. These posts are based on information from a worksheet produced by Ed Zlotkowski of Bentley [...]
[...] and how identify what learning you will be facilitating through the project. Be sure to check out the first post on whether or not Service-Learning will work in your class. These posts are based on information from a worksheet produced by Ed Zlotkowski of Bentley [...]