Service-Learning

Service Learning Collage

Service Learning in the College of Education

Alternative Spring Break 2012 Cleaning UpService learning is an instructional strategy that combines meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enhance student learning, teach civic responsibility, broaden empathy and perspective taking, and strengthen communities.
In service-learning, students use course content to study, examine and address real-life problems faced by fellow citizens in their local, regional or global communities. Students and faculty explore practical application of their studies while actively contributing as citizens through the service they perform. Guided reflection is used to help students make sense of their service-learning experience and to develop a new understanding of the situation. Service learning is considered a “high impact” practice for transformative learning.
Beginning fall 2012, the College of Education is very fortunate to have two Graduate Assistants who are supporting service learning opportunities for COE faculty and students.

College of Education Faculty

Faculty interested in learning more about local service opportunities or how their course may be enhanced through the incorporation of service learning should contact Sarah Elsey at selsey@uccs.edu or Ian Ely-Cate ielycate@uccs.edu. Please call the office number 719- 255-3701. The following article may also be a good starting point for exploring how to structure academic learning objectives associated with student learning:
Molee, L. M., Henry, M. E., Sessa, V. I, & McKinney-Prupis, E. R. (2010). Assessing learning in service-learning courses through critical reflection. Journal of Experiential Education, 33, 239-257. doi: 10.5193/JEE33.3.239

College of Education Students

College of Education students interested in upcoming or future service learning opportunities should contact Sarah Elsey at selsey@uccs.edu or call 719-255-3701. Two “alternative spring breaks” are planned for March 2013.
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