Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between community service and service-learning?
A: Service-learning takes community service to the next level by incorporating service into education; it is a methodology of teaching that takes a service experience and uses reflection activities to make it relevant to the course and what students are learning. Service-learning helps students to apply what they are learning to practice much like internships and co-ops, except that it uses a service experience that benefits the community. Service-learning uses reflection activities, such as journals, small and large group discussions, one-on-one reflective sessions with the professor, etc. as tools for students to synthesize what they experienced during the service activity and apply it to what they are learning and discussing in the classroom.
Q: I participated in a service project where the group collected trash and litter from a local stream. Is that service-learning?
A: The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse offers the following as an example of a service-learning project:
If students collect trash out of an urban streambed, they are providing a service to the community as volunteers; a service that is highly valued and important. When school students collect trash from an urban streambed, then analyze what they found and possible sources so they can share the results with residents of the neighborhood along with suggestions for reducing pollution, they are engaging in service-learning. In the service-learning example, the students are providing an important service to the community AND, at the same time, learning about water quality and laboratory analysis, developing an understanding of pollution issues, learning to interpret science issues to the public, and practicing communications skills by speaking to residents. They may also reflect on their personal and career interests in science, the environment, public policy or other related areas. Thus, we see that service-learning combines SERVICE with LEARNING in intentional ways.
Q: Are there leadership workshops for RSOs?
A: Yes! We will be offering a workshop series to benefit RSOs and individuals in the 2009 Fall semester with a range of topics. If you have a specific need, please contact the SOS workers in the Leadership Resource Room or Jennifer at jlculler@una.edu .
Q: What is Leadership UNA?
A: Leadership UNA is a one year program that students are selected to participate in after going through an application and interview process. LUNA focuses on leadership development for the members, ranging from conflict resolution, resume and interview techniques to an etiquette luncheon and sessions on leadership theory, the importance of community service and time management. The sessions are chosen by the advisor and co-chairs for the year. Members also participate in community service and assist in facilitating leadership activities for the whole campus.
Q: How do I become a member of Leadership UNA?
A: In order to become a member of Leadership UNA, you will need to go through the application and interview process. Members are then chosen by the advisor and chairs.
Q: What is Omicron Delta Kappa?
A: Omicron Delta Kappa is a National Leadership Honor Society. In order to join, you have to be nominated by a faculty, staff or ODK member and then apply. Upon reviewing applications, membership will be determined on if all requirements are met (GPA, number of activities, class standing, etc.) and will be the decision of the Advisor, Faculty Secretary and Executive Board members.
Q: If I wanted to organize a volunteer/charity event, what should I do?
A: You need to contact me (jlculler@una.edu, 765-4248) about setting up the event and logistics. I am always happy to help students organize or bring events to campus that assist the community and others.
Q: What is Service Learning?
A: Service-learning is a teaching methodology that integrates community service and academic instruction to such a degree that the students gain further knowledge of the course material, meet community needs, learn new skills, apply theory to practice and become responsible citizens.
Q: Why do I have to include reflection activities for the course to be service-learning?
A: Reflection activities are crucial to seeing the students’ development, not only in the subject matter, but also as citizens. Reflection can take many forms, from small group or large group discussions, integrated essays, weekly journals, creative projects (collages, visual representation of experience, etc.), portfolios and one-on-one discussions. Reflection is simply a tool that is used to make sure that students are making the connection between the service they are doing and the course content they are learning, as well as growing as an individual through new experiences.
Please let me know if you have any questions! jlculler@una.edu
