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.
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.”
Service-learning programs give you a jumpstart to your future job. They help you become more aware of the world and grow as a person. See the course list.
• The Office of Civic Engagement is now accepting proposals for the 2013-2014 Service-Learning Faculty Fellows program. Apply now.
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