Service Learning Project Design
There are several principles to consider
when designing an appropriate and effective service learning project.
These generalized principles about design, implementation, and
assessment of a service learning opportunity in partnership with a
community organization can be utilized by multiple disciplines.
The generalized principles include:
(1) define the problem or issue that needs to be addressed from the
context of a valuable student learning opportunity as well as in
accordance with the need of the partnering organization
(2) brainstorm potential solutions by researching project ideas
considering involved parties
(3) determine appropriate student group(s) with which to implement
potential project(s)
(4) become personally involved with community organization(s) to
demonstrate integrity and commitment
(5) contact and meet with organization personnel (volunteer coordinators
or specific project supervisors) to establish new or improve
relationships and discuss preliminary ideas (consider such elements
as third-party liability, accidental injury, workers compensation, etc.)
(6) develop relevant service learning project(s) considering logistics,
feasibility, implementation, value, need, and safety
(7) implement project within appropriate context and timeline
(8) assess value of service learning opportunity to students and
partnering organization(s)
(9) reevaluate project goals and make necessary refinements for future
opportunities
(10) disseminate results
(11) pursue new service learning opportunities with current and/or
additional organizations
(12) advertise/recruit students and organizations to ensure
sustainability of project
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