Community Partnerships' Service Learning
Service learning is a teaching method and school reform strategy that applies what students have learned in school to address real community needs. Research shows that effective service learning leads to higher academic achievement and an increased ethic of service among youth. It has also been shown that effective educational interventions, such as active pedagogies including service learning, help break the "cycle of disadvantage" plaguing poorer communities. Service learning is not currently implemented in all Colorado Schools.
In addition to increasing the number of schools using the serice learnig methodology in the state, ASC Community Partnerships seeks to ensure high quality implementation. A recent study suggests that unless service learning is well implemented, it is no more beneficial for student outcomes than conventional teaching methods. Essential elements of high quality service learning that enhance student outcomes include: direct contact with those being served, youth voice in planning, implementation and assessment, linkage to state content standards and reflection.
Simply put service learning connects school-based curriculum with the inherent caring and concern young people have for their world. The results are memorable, lifelong lessons for students and a stronger society for us all.
ASC Athletes to do Service-learning
The Community Partnerships Service Learning office at ASC has announced plans to work with the course Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success (CHAMPS) to match over 70 student athletes with community agencies in need of volunteer services. According to Assistant Coach Michelle Bruns, the CHAMPS students will be required to complete two service-learning hours to the community during this semester and present their experience in a PowerPoint presentation. The CHAMPS course is designed to assist in understanding self-management concepts, leadership as well as human diversity. The student-athlete will explore the foundations for good decision making skill, responsibility for self- actions and the importance of being a successful part of the campus community.
This extraordinary opportunity will benefit students while they help serve the community that has supported them for so long. Good job ASC Atheletes!!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q. How is service learning different from community service or volunteer work?
- A. Service learning differs from other forms of community service or volunteer work because the education of students and young people is always at its core. Students are actively participating in the process of understanding, integrating, and applying knowledge from various subject areas as they work to improve their communities.
- Q. I understand what service learning means, but what does service mean?
- A. In the context of service learning, "service" is the implementation of a plan, designed or influenced by students, that combines classroom learning with meeting an authentic community need. In some cases, the need is apparent and even urgent. In other cases, the students are supplementing or supporting a larger community effort. In all cases, service is meant to evoke the spirit of caring in those involved as well as to provide a constructive context for their knowledge.
- Q. What makes service learning successful?
- A. In order to maximize the value and benefits of each stage in the service learning process, certain elements need to be present. Each one helps students to learn and improves the quality of the service provided. These elements can be used as criteria for creating successful activities and projects. Experience has shown that when all of the elements are present -the criteria are all met- there is a much greater impact on the students and the community. Service learning is a process, though, and every activity or project is unique. However, the more familiar you, your students, and your community partners become with service learning strategies, the more likely it is that all of these elements will be seamlessly integrated into the process.
- Q. How do I establise partnerships in schools and in the community?
- A. Collaboration can be the lifeblood of service learning. Partners add a variety of perspectives to the process, which can fuel debate and reflection as well as help students gain a better understanding of social issues and generate ideas for civic improvement. Collaboration can prrovide additional opportunities to acquire knowledge and expertise.
Service Learning Opportunities:
Current Developmens:
- 10th Anniversary PeaceJam Celebration
- New location at Marvel House
Staff:
Nancy Molina - Site Supervisor
Mary Benavidez - Americorps* VISTA
Service Learning Partnerships:
- Environmental & Conservation Education Council (ECEC)
Contact Us:
- Adams State College
- Community Partnerships
- Marvel House
- 208 Edgemont Boulevard
- Alamosa, CO 81102
- (719) 587-7230
- (719) 587-7603 FAX
