More than 75 University of Idaho faculty members use Service-Learning as their teaching method. Many studies and university faculty report that service-learning promotes…
- More lively class discussions and increased student participation
- Greater participant retention of course material
- Increased student and self-awareness of community and real world issues
- More innovative approaches to classroom instruction
- Enhanced opportunities for research and publication
Service-learning enhances classroom learning by adding an experiential component to academic coursework that extends learning beyond the classroom and into the community. When used successfully, service-learning gives students the opportunity to apply concepts they are learning in the classroom to real-life community needs. Reflection activities that are integrated into the course will help students think critically about course material, community issues, and their role as citizens.
Service-Learning courses have 3 essential components:
1. Students address a real community need through their service work.
2. The service work is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum.
3.The courses include structured time for students to reflect on the service experience.
The Service-Learning Center can assist faculty by:
1. Providing training workshops to learn how to integrate service-learning into the classroom
2. Identifying and/or making contacts to host service-learning activities in a larger community
3. Assisting faculty in the logistics of carrying out service-learning activities through the course content
4. Providing internal GRANTS and staff support to faculty fellows teaching service-learning courses
- SL Course Mini-Grants – Up to $750 to support direct expenses incurred through service- learning activities in an academic course. Applications due end of each term for next semester.
- The Engaged Department Award -- $4,000 to departments or programs to foster discipline-based mentoring of service-learning faculty. Applications due in Spring.
- Service-Learning Reflection Leaders -- $250 for students to assist mentoring faculty with service-learning reflection and related activities. Applications due end of each term for next semester.