Service Learning
Several classes offer students the opportunity to participate in service learning.
Service learning integrates community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. SL programs involve students in organized community service that address local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community.
Service learning is a form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection as students work with others through a process of applying what they are learning to community problems and, at the same time, reflecting upon their experience as they seek to achieve real objectives for the community and a deeper understanding and skills for themselves.
Quotes from Service Learning Students
I picked the Children’s Center to do my Service Learning project with. After reviewing the various programs they have there I picked the Circle of Parents with Sam Bowman to work with. Sam expressed the need for a N.I.C.U. support group in this area and asked me if I could organize one for her. I did lots of training on what the Circle of Parents was and was not. I had great fun organizing and planning for the first meeting. I made lots of phone calls as well as posted lots of flyers. The meeting was GREAT. I feel I made a difference in at least one couples life that was there that night and made many friendships that night. This is an ongoing group and I feel honored to be a part of it. I am glad I chose this project to work with because my 25 hours worth of work will still be continued for many more hours and reach and support many parents.
Mary Talbert
My Service Learning helped me to be able to put into practice the concepts we were learning in the classroom. I have always felt it is important for everyone to do volunteer work in their community. I could really see how having the extra help in the classroom was beneficial to the kids. I was able to individually give students extra help and attention that they wouldn’t have normally had. If more people would volunteer in the schools (instead of complaining about our schools) it could make a real difference.
Judy Dearborn
Service Learning was a great experience for me and just made me that {much} more excited about becoming a teacher. I now volunteer at the school I served at, and love every minute of it.
Alisha Floyd
I did my Service Learning at Copeland Elementary School in Dobson, NC. I have had a wonderful experience working with children in kindergarten classes. It has been really neat seeing how the things I have experienced and seen in my kindergarten class go hand and hand with what I have been learning in my Foundations of Education class. Working with the children at Copeland Elementary has been a wonderful experience. It is one that I want to continue into a new semester. It would be a dream come true to be an assistant teacher there someday.
Becky Tucker
This project really helped me make my decision about teaching. It showed me that there is a need to really step-up and make a difference to the children. I think the United Sates is in a bad position with lots of schools and it is our job to make it better. I was able to take what I learned in class and apply it to real life situations.
Anonymous