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Service-Learning at Stetson
Service learning is a pedagogical tool used by the instructor of the course to help students apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world problem with the goal of having a better understanding of the theory while solving the engaged problem at the same time. The primary goal of the service-learning course is, as with all courses, to develop a better understanding of the subject material of the course. This better understanding is achieved by taking theory taught in the course and applying it to a problem faced by the community.
Service learning is not volunteerism. The community-engagement aspect of the course is a requirement of the course in the same way that instructors require students to read textbooks or perform experiments in a lab. Instructors do not typically grade students on the actual community service performed but on the students’ critical reflection on the intersection between theory and practice that takes form in writing or in presentations.
This unique educational opportunity is important because it offers schools the ability to form a symbiotic relationship with their community. Those communities with which Stetson faculty have partnered include Spring Hill, Pierson, and Deland. Through this relationship, the community gains much needed help as students receive academic credit for critical reflection, the development of civic responsibility, and personal and intellectual growth.
For some definitions related to service learning, click here.
Getting Involved
At Stetson University, 41 faculty members are presently integrating service-learning into their coursework. Stetson students find themselves in a variety of settings, ranging from teaching English to migrant workers, to preserving the environment, to helping those in historically poor neighborhoods learn how to start up businesses. The best part is that service-learning courses are offered in almost any discipline. This allows students to easily integrate them into a variety of degree programs.
For a current list of those courses, click here.
See our Center for Service Learning or Marchman Program.
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For outside resources related to service learning, try these sites:
www.servicelearning.org
www.campuscompact.org
- This site includes training materials for service learning, sample syllabi, and steps for service learning course construction and funding. Students will also find ideas for service learning work study and scholarships.
www.learnandserve.org
- Learn and Serve provides the world's largest database of service-learning resources, including print and electronic materials, job listings, and toolkits.
www.jrcpf.org
- The Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Partnership foundation provides grants and awards to recognize the best practices in campus-community partnership programs and the best new ideas for student-led community service projects to solve community based problems.
Association of American Colleges and Universities
- This site includes information on AAC&U civic engagement intiatives, AAC&U publications related to civic engagement, and AAC&U meetings.
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