Service Learning - Civic Engagement - Division of Student Affairs

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Civic Engagement

Service-Learning

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Service-learning is a form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities intentionally designed to promote student learning and development. Reflection and reciprocity are key concepts of service-learning. Service-learning is effective in both instilling civic responsibility in students and helping them comprehend and synthesize course material. Towson University has identified service-learning as a means to help students become engaged and active citizens. Service-learning is supported through the Department of Civic Engagement at Towson. Department staff assist faculty, students, and community organizations in learning about and implementing service-learning projects.

View a presentation about the history of service-learning at Towson University (PPT)

Reflection Quotes from TU Students Engaged in Service-Learning

“As a teacher candidate it was nice to be a part of the ‘real world’ at the zoo …. 'educating' people. I’d encourage all fields to have the same sort of service learning. What better way to learn than to be a part of the real world interacting with real people. This whole course has been quite the treat and having been in classrooms my whole life I feel that the experiences gained cannot be compared if this course was classroom only.”

“Service-learning experiences are definitely valuable to all students, in both the education program and almost every other program I can think. They provide the student with a meaningful, engaging experience that enhances the learning process. They are a great way to give back to the community. They also are a wonderful opportunity for students to apply their learning, and gain deeper, relational understandings of content.”

“I personally think service-learning should be included in all Towson classes. Service-learning did connect to my degree program and I really loved it. Service-learning gives you a sense of achievement, excitability, and a job well done.”

Civic Engagement
Administration Building, Room 237

Phone: 410-704-4803
Fax: 410-704-3441
E-mail: ashong@towson.edu

"I am so happy that I ended up taking this class. Because I saw and experienced all of these things, first hand, they will stay with me. I will implement them in my future classroom." - TU Student Reflection on Service-Learning in Central America.

• The Office of Civic Engagement is now accepting proposals for the 2013-2014 Service-Learning Faculty Fellows program. Click here to find out how you can apply.

• The 6th annual Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Conference will be held at UMBC on April 6, 2013. Click here for registration information.