Benefits to Faculty Members B v Service learning changes our role from the expert to the resource, and with that change we enjoy a new relationship with our students and a new understanding of how learning occurs. As we connect the community with the curriculum, we become more aware of current societal issues as they relate to our academic areas of interest. The range of appropriate placements is guided by the learning objectives of the particular course. The faculty member sets a minimum number of hours to be completed and develops a reflective component that may include assignments such as journals, readings, class discussions, writing assignments, class presentations, and group activities about the service experience. At the beginning of each semester, the faculty member introduces the service learning component to his or her class.
Students fill out necessary forms for placements and are given information about placement options.
Students choose one of these approved placements based on their interests, schedule, and location. Contact is then made with the agency . Although the fall and spring semesters are 18 weeks long, it takes a couple of weeks to get students assigned, oriented, and started. In addition, the last week is devoted to exams. Agencies are asked to adjust by scheduling orientations and training at the beginning of each semester and by developing placements that can be completed in one semester.