Dialogue journals also can be read and responded to by a peer. A list of directed writings can be provided at the beginning of the semester. Students then research the social issue. Based on their experience and library research, students make recommendations to the agency for future action. Class presentations of the experiential research paper can culminate semester work.
Students write weekly summaries and identify critical incidents that occurred at the service site.
Instructors can post questions for consideration and topics for directed writings. A log of the e-mail discussions can be printed as data to the group about the learning that occurred from the service experience. Students write up a case study of an ethical dilemma they have confronted at the service site, including a description of the context, the individuals involved, and the controversy or event that created the ethical dilemma. Case studies are read in class and students discuss the situation and identify how they would respond. Students write an evaluation essay providing a self-assessment of how effective they met the learning and service objectives of the course.