If a teacher mentions service learning in his or her syllabus, what can you be expect to required to do?

Question

Wouldnt it be community service? Im not sure

Answer 1

The mention of Service Learning indicates that the instructor is taking the educational philosophy that teaching-learning is not all lecture, books, and tests -- it involves putting your coursework into practice.

 

For example, nursing courses have reading, lecture, and labs using models to practice giving shots.  But it is really cool to get a few (highly supervised) hours of real practice in a doctor's office giving shots and taking blood.

 

Would you want to take a driver's ed course that didn't let you drive a car?

 

Now, the Service Learning project may include selecting a project that fits the course, planning the activity and the grading metrics, preparing for the event, and a complete evaluation after it is over.  It's not just community service; it is an important part of the course.

Answer 2

"Students provide service in their community that is directly connected to their academic coursework, and the community provides an educational experience for the student." -- This is quoted directly from the Indiana University Bloomington website.

 

There is some fascinating info out there about service learning! I'm assuming the syllabus you are referring to is for college? if not, you might still find it helpful to take a look at the web sites of Duke University, Fayetteville State University, and even the EPA (the federal government's) Environmental Protection Agency.

 

All of these places offer excellent examples of well-established service learning programs. If nothing else, you'd get ideas of what to look for in your area, perhaps on a smaller scale if it is for high school.