Service-Learning
Definition of Service-Learning
A course-based, credit-bearing, educational experience in which students learn to relate theory to practice by participating in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and then by reflecting upon the service activity in such ways as to meet instructional objectives, and gain a broader appreciation for the discipline and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.
Criteria for Service-Learning Course Designation
Service-learning courses should meet the minimum criteria below:
- Service or other engagement activity is integrated within course content and supports its academic focus, with a minimum of 15 hours of community engagement by each student in the course.
- Students are involved in engagement of value to the community, as evidenced by collaboration with the community itself.
- Structured opportunities for guided reflection occur at multiple points of the course.
- Clear demonstration of service-learning learning outcomes and their assessment are included in syllabus.
- The course does not require a student to participate in an activity or project that creates a religious or political conflict for the student.
Institutional Learning Outcomes of Service-Learning
In addition to discipline-specific learning outcomes, Service-Learning courses should include institutional learning outcomes that are consistent across the university.
- Analysis of knowledge: Connects and extends knowledge (facts, theories, etc.) from one's own academic study/field/discipline to civic engagement and to one's own participation in civic life, politics, and government. (AAC&U, 2011)
- Diversity of communities and cultures: Reflects on how own attitudes and beliefs are different from those of other cultures and communities. Exhibits curiosity about what can be learned from diversity of communities and cultures. (AAC&U, 2011)
- Civic action and reflection: Demonstrates independent experience and shows initiative in team leadership of complex or multiple civic engagement activities, accompanied by reflective insights or analysis about the aims and accomplishments of one’s actions.(AAC&U, 2011)
- Civic contexts/structures: Demonstrates ability and commitment to collaboratively work across and within community contexts and structures to achieve a civic aim. (AAC&U, 2011)
Service-Learning Advisory Board
The Service-Learning Advisory Board serves as a guiding coalition to the service-learning efforts of Texas A&M University-Central Texas. Its primary responsibilities are reviewing courses pursuing service-learning designation, supporting community voice in service-learning planning, and advocating for service-learning within the institution and community.
Service-Learning Faculty Fellowship
The fellows program provides an intentional professional development opportunity for faculty members interested in service-learning. The practical and theoretical underpinnings of service-learning are examined through six virtual workshops (three in the spring and three in the fall). Faculty members are also expected to apply these principles by teaching a designated service-learning course of their design or developing a relevant community-based research initiative during their time in the program. Benefits include a stipend, recognition by university leadership, and evidence of teaching excellence to support promotion and tenure applications. Contact Dr. Morgan Lewing (morgan.lewing@tamuct.edu) for more information.