Students click on the links below to find general information about service-learning,
forms you will need to begin your service-learning project and upcoming or current
volunteer opportunities.
| What is Service-Learning? |
Service-Learning is a teaching method which combines
community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical,
reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service-learning programs
involve students in organized community service that addresses local
needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility,
and commitment to the community.
-Community College National Center for Community
Engagement
At Clark College instructors may use service-learning as an extra
credit option or required component of a course. Unlike standard
testing, service-learning assessment strategies for usually take
the form of portfolios, research papers, and presentations which
provide the student the opportunity to reflect on their service-learning
experience and bring insight to the community organization.
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| How
is service-learning different from an internship or volunteering? |
Service-learning is distinct from both internships
and volunteering. Internships seek to give students work-experience
and job skills related to their academic area of interest. Internships
occur at both for-profit and non-profit organization and can be
paid/un-paid opportunities.
Volunteerism is primarily for the benefit of the community. Volunteerism
exists to provide a necessary benefit to the community. Volunteering
rarely connects a student’s service experience with academic
learning. Service-learning seeks to provide a balance between the
education of the student and fulfilling vital community needs.
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What are the benefits? |
Service-learning will give you a hands-on opportunity
to link your classroom learning with real life issues. You will
also gain new skills, learn about various career paths, and have
meaningful involvement in the community. Your service-learning hours
can be considered volunteer hours to add to your resume or put on
job applications.
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How should I fit service-learning into my busy schedule? |
While service-learning is open to everyone, it may
not be for everyone. You are the best judge on whether or not you
can manage service-learning into both your academic and personal
schedule. Remember to keep a realistic outlook on how much you can
handle. You have one quarter to complete your hours. Service-learning
is about enriching your educational journey, not being a source
of burden.
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I'm already involved in the community; can I count this as my service-learning experience? |
Perhaps. Your service-learning site must
be a non-profit/public agency and your service experience must connect
with your coursework. Community involvement that you are paid for
cannot count for your service learning. Other types of volunteer
work that you are currently involved in, are subject to approval
by your professor. Please get your professor’s approval in
advance.
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