ERIC Number: EJ1050942
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Jan
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-231X
EISSN: N/A
Developing University and Community Partnerships: A Critical Piece of Successful Service Learning
McDonald, James; Dominguez, Lynn A.
Journal of College Science Teaching, v44 n3 p52-56 Jan 2015
The partnership between science and the environment in service-learning projects helps students to make greater connections to the world around them. Service learning provides many benefits to students, faculty, and communities within the context of a college course. However, to prevent frustration, it is important for faculty members to make a clear distinction between service learning and volunteerism by connecting their course objectives to the service being provided. They also must develop a framework for planning, assessment, and reflection. Finally, a successful partnership must be developed. Clearly defining the community setting to be used for the service-learning project will ensure a more positive outcome. Developing the partnership framework through purposeful communication with all partners is the key to successful service-learning projects. A sequential series of steps are provided for the framework development. Actual examples of classroom projects are described, along with benefits to students, agencies, and community participants.
Descriptors: School Community Programs, School Community Relationship, Partnerships in Education, Service Learning, Course Objectives, Program Descriptions, Program Development, Science and Society, Science Education, College Programs, Outreach Programs, Student Projects, Program Effectiveness
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A