How Do I Get Started with a Service Learning Project?

Although the process may seem daunting, service learning is a wonderful way to incorporate hands-on experience into a classroom. Studies have shown that service learning promotes greater learning and retention of material by students. The process seems more difficult than it is, and the Office for Civic and Social Engagement is here to assist you along the way!

Depending where you are in the process, there are several ways to move ahead with your project. If you are just starting out and are interested in the general topic of service-learning, you might want to explore several of the general texts or introductory websites in the field. If you have already decided that you want to go ahead with a project, you can explore some texts and websites that are specific to your field. The Office for Civic and Social Engagement has on hand an excellent series published by the American Association for Higher Education. We have 19 different texts covering a wide variety of disciplines. These discipline-specific texts will help you to think through and design a program that will work in your classroom. We also have several texts on-hand detailing successful programs. Finally, you may email or call the director (Carrie Call) and set up an appointment to discuss your project. She can assist you in making contacts in the community with agencies or organizations that would fit with your program. She may also be able to provide you with discipline-specific syllabi from other institutions that incorporate service-learning projects.

This is just the beginning of a great new direction in your teaching!

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