ERIC Number: ED451857
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2000-Oct
Pages: 4
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Service Learning Programs on Community College Campuses. ERIC Digest.
Prentice, Mary
This digest discusses service learning programs on community college campuses. Service learning integrates community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Projects can range from brief, one-time-only experiences to a student commitment of 15 or more hours during a semester. Typically, such course options are offered as an alternative to more traditional classroom assignments. Often, students are given the option of participating in a service learning project over the course of the semester and writing a paper based on the experience instead of writing a traditional research paper. One component of service learning that sets it apart from co-op placements or internships is the requirement of reflection. This can be accomplished in various ways: within a reflective journal over the course of the semester, in a meeting with the class instructor once or twice during the term, or in an instructor-facilitated group with other service learning students. Some service learning program directors have recommended that service learning be noted on student transcripts and described in college catalogues, and the academic rigor of service learning be emphasized and demonstrated to faculty. Contains 12 references. (JA)
Descriptors: Community Colleges, Educational Methods, Experiential Learning, School Community Programs, Service Learning, Student Participation, Two Year Colleges
ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges, University of California at Los Angeles, 3051 Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521. Tel: 310-825-3931.
Publication Type: ERIC Publications; ERIC Digests in Full Text; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges, Los Angeles, CA.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A