Service Learning
SLS 2940 / SLS 2940H / Integrated
www.valenciacollege.edu/servicelearning
Service Learning – Noun
…is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates
meaningful community service with instruction and reflection
to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility,
and strengthen communities. Service Learning allows
students and faculty to blend educational goals with their
passions
Where does Service Learning fall under the
Experiential Learning umbrella?
Service
Focus
Learning
Service-Learning
Community Service
Volunteerism
Field Education
Internship
Source: Furco, A. (2003). Service-Learning: A Balanced approach to experiential education.
In Campus Compact, Introduction to Service-Learning Toolkit. (pp. 11-14). Providence, RI.
Campus Compact. p. 12.
Adapted from Signmon, R. L. (1994). Serving to Learn, Learning to Serve: Linking Service
With Learning. Washington, D.C.: Council of Independent Colleges.
Essential Components of Service Learning
Academics
Reciprocity
Service
Learning
Personal
Preprofessional
Civic
Engagement
Types of Service
Direct - Involves student action which fills the immediate needs of the
community. Students learn from the experience of interaction and
observation and not necessarily from the skills required for the service
Indirect - Addresses community needs indirectly, typically through
research, organizing, and/or administrative action
Advocacy - Efforts result in eventual changes in the social, political or
environmental conditions contributing to community needs
Source: Nitschke-Shaw D. & Ziesler, Y. Faculty Guide to Service-Learning. Campus Compact for
New Hampshire
Benefits of Service Learning
LEARN through hands-on work in a non-profit community
environment.
EXPLORE career options, gain work experience and make job contacts.
DEVELOP connections with people of diverse cultures and lifestyles.
IMPROVE self-confidence by becoming an active citizen in your
community.
EARN recognition for service hours on transcripts and at graduation.
Recognition
Transcripts - All service hours are recorded on student transcripts in
addition to the course prefix and grade received for their Service
Learning course.
Medallions - Students who complete a minimum of 40 service hours
receive a medallion to wear at graduation.
• Bronze medallion: 40 service hours
• Silver medallion: 60 service hours
• Gold medallion: 80-100 service hours
Service Learning Courses at Valencia
SLS2940 - Students receive 1 credit hour for every 20 service hours they
complete. Student will be expected to meet with their faculty mentor
periodically throughout the semester and complete extensive research and
reflection on their service experience.
SLS2940H - This course is part of the Honors College Leadership Track. It
involves the same work as SLS2940, while also satisfying one Honors
Program learning outcome. Honors Program permission required.
Integrated - These are traditional courses that have been integrated with a
service experience that will help meet the course outcomes. The number
of service hours varies by course and are up to the professor’s discretion.
– Course Search Tool - For a list of available Service Learning
courses, please visit the Credit Class Schedule Search and check
the box for Service Learning
Navigation
More information about Service Learning and access to the application
for SLS2940 and SLS2940(H) can be found on our webpage at:
http://www.valenciacollege.edu/servicelearning
Thank you!
The Office of Curriculum Initiatives
Robyn Brighton, Director of Curriculum Initiatives
rbrighton1@valenciacollege.edu
407-582-3895
Douglas Taylor, Staff Assistant II
dtaylor74@valenciacollege.edu
407-582-3866