Selecting Service Learning Project
Many existing volunteer opportunities may be adapted to become a service-learning project; i.e. International mission trips, USF Health Service Corps events, student organization sponsored activities, etc.Â
The project must include the following components to be service-learning:
- Preparation
- Increase knowledge base of treating underserved populations;
- Develop positive perceptions of treating underserved populations;
- Involve the community in the service-learning design and implementation;
- Establish collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships with the community;
- Address needs identified by the community;
- Develop intentional learning objectives.
- Service
- Fulfill an authentic community need;
- Provide useful or helpful contribution to the community;
- Address real-world needs and problems identified by the community;
- Provide an application of educational content.
- Reflection
- Link service to professional and personal development;
- Prompt deep thinking and analysis about one’s self and one’s relationship to society;
- Occur before, during, and after the service experience;
- Examine preconceptions and assumptions regarding roles and responsibilities as citizens.