SERVICE LEARNING

Many sociology classes offer assignments with a service-learning component. In these, the student performs some service to a community agency that is integrated with course work. Students are expected to meet the needs of the community organization while they learn from their service experience and enhance their learning in the course. Please see your departmental advisor if assistance is needed in finding a class with service-learning.

SERVICE LEARNING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is service learning?
Service learning enables students to gain insights about a course's subject matter while helping to meet the needs of persons or groups in the community. Through site experience and subsequent reflection students are expected to learn course concepts more thoroughly. Note: Service-learning involvement is limited to not-for-profit organizations.

How much time do students spend?
The range is 10 to 40 hours work in the community and depends on the related course assignment(s).

What might a service-learning syllabus entry look like?
Sample Service Learning Assignment (this will vary from course to course): Students may perform community service in designated agencies related to the course subject-matter and replace the score of their lowest exam with the grade earned from the service-learning activity. This volunteer service in conjunction with course requirements constitutes service-learning. Service-learning includes reflection activities that make the field analysis more meaningful and give students an understanding of a social issue that might not be obtained by research alone.

What kinds of involvements might students encounter?
· Tutor kids in an after school program
· Work in a youth group home or shelter
· Assist with Alzheimer's patients
· Work with disabled individuals
· Work a crisis hotline
· Work with elderly persons in a senior citizens center
· Mentor youth on probation
· Mediate disputes in the community

What about liability?
Cal State Fullerton does not provide health or accident insurance for students. They are required to carry their own medical and hospital insurance. Student health insurance is available through the Student Health Center. Students should investigate whether their service-learning site has liability insurance that covers them while volunteering. Instructors are encouraged to have students sign the CSUF "Service-Learning Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement" form. A copy of the form may be obtained from Dr. Edythe Karampe, H-730H or the Office of Community Service Learning, UH-230.

What kinds of insights might students expect to gain?
· Sociological theory and concepts have real life applications
· Homeless people are "real" people--some are smart and some are funny
· I discovered I have strengths and talents I didn't know about before
· My experience broke my stereotypes of alcoholics
· I enjoy making a contribution to the community and intend to continue volunteer work

What is meant by "reflection?"
Reflection is the ability to step back and ponder one's experiences. Theorists tell us that learning occurs only from reflecting on experiences. Students often write a reflection paper accounting for theoretical and practical insights; they also reflect on their views toward service to others and how service-learning caused them to reconstruct their lives.

Note: If you have other questions, please feel free to contact Professor Lorraine Prinsky via telephone at (714) 278-3252, or email lprinsky@fullerton.edu

Service learning is supported by the CSUF Center for Internships and Service Learning which can help with site placements. Please see the following website here for more information or at the Center located in LH-209. The Center can be reached by phone at (714) 278-3746.

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