University of Colorado Sociology Department's
Service Learning Page
What is Service learning?
Service learning (SL) is a pedagogical strategy that combines community service with classroom learning. It is a tool used widely by sociologists to encourage students to make connections between classroom learning and the larger community. The consensus of scores of articles and books written about the benefits of service learning is that service learning, when done effectively, greatly enhances the educational experience for students and teachers, and for the university and community at large.
Why should I care?
Service learning contributes to the personal and professional growth of professors/instructors, students, the university, and the broader community. For professors./instructors, it is an effective way of combining teaching, service, and activism. For students it is hands-on learning, which contributes to their seeing themselves as responsible citizens. The university benefits because often its goals are to make a positive impact on the community, but it does not necessarily do so regularly. The community benefits through community organizations by having interested "volunteers" that can be counted on. Everybody wins!
OK, now what?
Though it takes quite a bit of effort to successfully implement SL into existing curriculum, it is well worth it. This page has many useful links to informational pages, sample syllabi, and national resources. Additionally, through a small grant awarded to Kris De Welde and Sara Steen (spring 2003), the Sociology department built a resource library of books, workbooks, articles, a list of organizations and contacts, and sample syllabi. Kris and Sara also organized several informational sessions on SL help "demystify" how it all works. Lastly, CU has a wonderful service learning center with tons of resources and assistance (see link below).There are plenty of information sources at your fingertips...just ask!
Resource Links
Campus Compact: A fabulous resource for SL including links to syllabi, recommended reading, information about SL fellowships and grants, and SL "toolkits" for beginning, intermediate, and advanced SL instruction (and lots more!)
UCLA Service Learning Clearinghouse: Another useful site with links to sample syllabi, reflection exercises, publishing opportunities, and many other helpful documents.
University of Maryland SL (through the Mini Center for Teaching Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture & Society): A website with a good breakdown of curricular options for SL including advice, resources, and important questions to consider when thinking about SL in your own course(s).
National Service Learning Clearinghouse: A rich website with all kinds of information on SL including the latest books on SL, curriculum ideas, sources for funding, and SL job opportunities.
CU Service Learning Program: Important links for students, instructors, and the community with many useful links to other websites. Also our local SL office program director: (currently open).
Useful Documents:
How to get started html document * Word document
Local community resources html document * Word document
Brief list of web & print resources html document * Word document
Questions? Comments?
Contact:
Professor Sara Steen
Sociology Department
327 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0327
Office: 303-735-6658
