Center for Teaching, Learning & Academic Support
      Advancing Teaching, Research, and Creative Endeavors

Curriculum Suggestions

Option within a course

In this design, students have the option to become involved in the service learning project. A portion of the normal coursework is substituted by the service learning component. For example, a traditional research paper or group project can be replaced with an experiential research paper or personal journal that documents learning from the service experience.

Class service projects

Some course objectives can be met when the entire class is involved in a one-time service project. Arrangements for service projects can be made prior to the semester and included in the syllabus. This model affords the opportunity for faculty and peer interaction because a common service experience is shared. One-time projects have different learning outcomes than ongoing service activities.

Disciplinary capstone projects

Service learning is an excellent way to build upon students' cumulative knowledge in a specific discipline and to demonstrate the integration of that knowledge with real life issues. Upper-class students can explore ways their disciplinary expertise and competencies translate into addressing community needs. Other service learning classes within the department can prepare the student for this type of extensive community service learning class.

Service research projects

This type of service learning class involves students in research within the community. The results of the research are communicated to the agency so that it can be used to address community needs. Action research and participatory action research takes a significant amount of time to build relationships of trust in the community and identify common research agendas, however, service research projects can support the ongoing community based research of faculty. Extending this type of research beyond the confines of a semester may be best for all involved.