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Academic Service-Learning Center
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Academic Service-Learning?
What is an Academic Service-Learning class?
Where is the Academic Service-Learning Center?
Students
How can I get information about Service-Learning courses?
How do students benefit by taking a Service-Learning class?
How can I volunteer and get credit?
Is the service component a required part of a service-learning course?
How many hours of service are expected in a service-learning course?
Will a Service-Learning course be more work than a regular course?
Faculty
Who should I contact if I need help with incorporating service-learning into my course?
Community Agency
I'm a community agency and would like to suggest a project idea?
General
What is Academic Service-Learning?
Academic Service-Learning (ASL) is: “a credit-bearing, educational experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.” At GRCC, ASL is course-based service through placements and projects.
Academic Service-Learning applies what you are learning in your course to the community at large. Research has shown that people retain on average 20% of what they hear compared to approximately 90% through experiential learning or "learning by doing". Service-learning is experiential learning and has proven to be a better teaching strategy for many students with varied learning styles.The Center strongly encourages our students to participate in service-learning opportunities to prepare them for a lifetime of civic engagement and leadership. The Center provides support to faculty who are interested in designing Academic Service-Learning courses, community agencies who are willing to work with our students, and students who are interested in making an impact in their communities. Please visit the Academic Service-Learning Center for more information.
What is an Academic Service-Learning class?
A class that offers service-learning involves students performing community service projects as part of an academic course. Students relate the service experience to course objectives through structured reflection and learning activities created by the instructor.
Where is the Academic Service-Learning Center?
The Center is currently located on G2 of the Main Building Room 59. If you ever visit Winchester Alley, then you are not far from our office.
Students
How can I get information about Service-Learning courses?
Our office is working hard to incorporate those courses that offer service-learning into future course catalogs. At this time, we can offer students a list of faculty who are currently offering service-learning in their courses.
How do students benefit by taking a Service-Learning class?
Service-Learning provides an opportunity for students to be actively involved in the learning process and to develop leadership skills through service to others. As students participate in helping to meet community needs, they can explore educational and career choices. Service-learning creates the opportunity for students to build positive community connections and to gain the experience needed for the 21st Century job market.
How can I volunteer and get credit?
Any student that is interested in volunteering can come to our office to receive information about how to find and track their own volunteer experiences. However, students volunteering do not receive academic credit. Volunteering is a form of civic engagement; however, it is not the main focus of the Center. The Center provides support to those students who are coming directly from a class to perform a service-learning project. We strongly encourage all students to become involved in civic activities.
Is the service component a required part of a service-learning course?
It depends. In some courses the service experience is an integral, required part of the course. Students who choose to enroll in this type of service-learning course are expected to participate in the service activity. In other service-learning classes, the service component is an option and may replace other class assignments.
How many hours of service are expected in a service-learning course?
Again, it depends. Just as the length of a research paper varies from course to course, so does the amount of service in a service-learning course. Instructors may design a daylong group service project, or ask that students complete a designated number of service hours to meet the requirements of the course.
Will a Service-Learning course be more work than a regular course?
Service-learning is not designed to require more work. It does provide students with an opportunity to engage in active learning, which often leads to greater involvement and a more fulfilling educational experience.
Faculty
Who should I contact if I need help with incorporating service-learning into my course?
Designing an effective service-learning experience for your students requires careful planning and training. There are also procedures to follow in order for your students to receive credit for their service on their academic transcripts. If you are a faculty member and interested in incorporating Service-Learning into your courses, you should contact Mursalata Muhammad our Faculty Liaison at 234-4950.
Community Agency
I'm a community agency and would like to suggest a project idea?
We encourage community agencies to help us in developing Service-Learning projects. Please e-mail us at servicelearning@grcc.edu with your ideas.
Updated on 22-FEB-08
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