Embedding and Assessing Service-Learning in a Learning Community

Abstract

Because Learning Communities emphasize collaborative, integrative learning, they are an excellent site for embedding service-learning projects. Additionally, service-learning in the context of a learning community can help to bridge a number of divides, such as those between people of different backgrounds or the “town-gown” divide. The facilitators will discuss how they planned and implemented a service-learning project and go deeply into several different forms of assessment, which they are currently using to better understand student outcomes after participating in a service learning project. They will also discuss tips to help with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process. This workshop will also include a student presenter who will share her experience in the program and data analysis of the project.