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.
Service learning integrates these aspects of our vision at Lone Star College-CyFair:
- Service learning provides high impact learning experiences that promote student engagement and active learning. Students experientially learn important concepts, ideas, and learning outcomes taught in the classroom and apply these concepts to meet community needs.
- Service learning supports and promotes active civic engagement through organized community service experiences
- Service learning encourages a deeper, broader understanding and study of the subject by actively reflecting on the concepts and ideas learned in the classroom.
Critical Elements of Service Learning:
- The community service is related to one or more learning outcomes of the course.
- At least one reflection activity (journal, paper, presentation, etc.) demonstrates progress toward mastery of the learning outcome.
- At least 15 hours of community service is completed within the semester. The service includes challenging and meaningful activities that promote understanding and critical thinking.
- The student receives no monetary compensation or other material benefit in exchange for the service provided.
- Classes are identified as service learning if they offer service learning as either an optional or a required component of the course. Students completing the service learning requirements will receive “Service Learning” designation on their transcripts.
LSC-CyFair Service Learning Web Page http://www.lonestar.edu/service-learning-cyfair.htm
Lone Star College System Service Learning Web Page http://www.lonestar.edu/service-learning.htm