AN INTRODUCTION TO SERVICE-LEARNING

Your service-learning experience will provide you with an opportunity to perform meaningful service in the community using skills and knowledge that you acquire in your class. It will also provide you with a foundation on which to examine yourself, your community, and your future goals.

You will be asked to develop a learning plan that is made up of learning objectives that can be achieved through a process of active, guided reflection that uses writing, reading, speaking, listening and group discussion. Service-learning should facilitate a connection between what you read and hear in your classroom and your real-world experience in the community.

What are the benefits to me?

• Links course work to real life experience and employment
• Allows you to "make a difference" through meaningful contribution to others in the community
• Enhances your critical thinking skills
• Improves interpersonal and human relations skills
• Provides you with an opportunity for career exploration
• Exposes you to the benefits of civic responsibility
• Provides you with a greater understanding of social issues
• Documents work experience and skill development
• Establishes potential job contacts
What are the benefits to the community?
• Augments service delivery
• Increases human resources for problem solving
• Enhances the ability to hire good students
• Provides more contributions to meet human needs
GETTING STARTED PROCEDURES AND TIME LINES

Please take the time to read your Service-Learning Student handbook. It will provide you with the information, time lines, and forms that you will need to successfully complete your community experience as a part of your course work for this class.

TASK ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------COMPLETION DATE

Complete Service-Learning Application                                                         _____________________

Complete Community Service Assumption of Risk Statement                       _____________________

Select possible site for service

Complete Service-Learning Referral
Interview with Site Supervisor                                                        _____________________
After placement, site supervisor completes:
Placement Comfirmation
Placement Agreement
Return forms to instructor
Return forms to instructor                                                                             _____________________

Develop your learning plan and return to instructor                                      _____________________
(Discuss plan with instructor and site supervisor)

Begin service activity and related classroom activities                                  _____________________

Begin logging service hours on Contact Log                                               _____________________

Return mid-term site evaluation to instructor                                               _____________________

Submit Contact Log and final site evaluation to instructor                          _____________________

Complete Service-Learning evaluation form to instructor                           _____________________

Return to service learning Web page

Direct feedback to: Randy Kimmens
URL: http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/servicelearning/handbook.htm
Last update: Tuesday November 14 2000