Teaching Service Learning and Community Engagement

• In Event: 2322 - Activities and Techniques Poster Session

Abstract

This presentation is an overview of how I incorporate service-learning and community-based teaching tools and pedagogies into my courses. I discuss how service-learning, course assignments, and projects transcend classroom teaching and learning by moving students beyond the classroom and into the local communities to provide them with unique opportunities to engage in public and global issues. I also discuss the dynamics of service-learning projects and students’ service-learning experiences in a geographical setting where the institution and a majority of students’ sociocultural backgrounds are similar to the local community. Then I address some challenges of a service-learning course. In conclusion, I share some insights and lessons learned from students’ projects. I hope my discussion on various aspects of teaching a service-learning course such as its challenges, dynamics, and insights will be useful to the audience members.

Author

• Shobha Hamal Gurung, Southern Utah University