Service-Learning
2009-2010 Academic Year
Service-Learning is a method of experiential learning that links classroom theory with real-world experience. This pedagogy provides students with opportunities to use newly-acquired skills and knowledge in real-life situations in their own communities. The educational institution partners with the community to coordinate thoughtfully-organized service experiences that meet real community needs. Students can then engage in these projects to learn and develop their skills while helping the community. Service-Learning is integrated into students’ academic curricula and allows structured time for students to think, talk, or write about what they did and observed during the service activity. Service-Learning projects enhance what is taught in class by extending student learning beyond the classroom. Furthermore, these projects help to foster the development of students’ social awareness and civic responsibility.
- What Is Service-Learning? (PowerPoint Presentation)
- Service-Learning Internet Resources
- Annotated Bibliography for Service-Learning
If you wish to include Service-Learning as a course component, the Office of Academic Outreach provides several services to assist you:
- Enrollment of participating students as required by the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Orientation of students to requirements and responsibilities of Service-Learning projects.
- Contacts with community agencies, organizations, and schools.
- Placement, placement confirmation, and placement feedback.
- Enrollment in UT Student Professional Liability Insurance.
- Maintenance of student rosters and paperwork associated with Service-Learning projects.
- A resource library of reference materials pertaining to the scholarship of Service-Learning.
- Resources for, and assistance with, project design and syllabus construction.
- Forms:
- Faculty Guide
- Instructions for Student Forms
- Student Enrollment Form for Service-Learning Experiences
- Student Guidelines for Service-Learning
- Service-Learning Referral & Emergency Form
- Service-Learning Standards for Community Agencies and Schools
- Student Professional Liability Insurance
- Volunteer Protection Act
- Faculty Guide
- Sample Syllabi
- Resource personnel for Service-Learning:
- Kim Midkiff, Coordinator of Academic Outreach and Service-Learning
- Lynn Champion, Director of Academic Outreach and Communiciations
- Robert J. Hinde, Associate Dean of Teaching and Diversity
Contact Information
Kim Midkiff
Coordinator of Academic Outreach and Service-Learning
Office of Academic Outreach & Communications
College of Arts & Sciences
4 Alumni Memorial Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1320
Phone: (865) 974-4676
Email: kmidkiff@utk.edu