Program Benefits of Service Learning

DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A SERVICE-LEARNING COURSE?

Use Service Learning to Enhance Assurance of Learning

Service-learning courses play a unique role in assuring that students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that faculty expect. 

 In service-learning courses students analyze andevaluate situations and problems, synthesize and interpret information, and apply knowledge and skills from a course, discipline, and/or program.  Additionally, students communicate ideas with community partners, clients, other students, and faculty, providing students with opportunities to practice audience awareness in their written/oral communications. Community-partner and client audiences may be similar to the people students will be working with in their future careers.  Thus, service-learning courses can provide faculty the chance to evaluate the future professional behaviors of students in a program, which can elucidate strengths and weaknesses in ways that no classroom assignments can.

Helping students market their service-learning experiences

Service-learning experiences build knowledge and skills that can be used to enhance resumes, cover letters, and responses in job interviews.  Service-learning experiences may contribute to students’ networks of professional contacts and potential career opportunities.

Do your students know how to market their experiences?

The Center for Career and Co-op can help.  Career counselors provide free job exploration and preparation for all students, including help with resumes, cover letters, job interviews, and dressing for success.