Service-learning is an academic method that provides students college credit opportunities to engage in meaningful, community-driven work. Plus, it helps develop important academic and social skills related to the classes they are already enrolled in.

There are a variety of excellent, long-form academic resources about the pedagogy of service-learning. But what if you’ve only got a few minutes to spare? Well, we try to offer resources for everyone. Take a look below for three quick tips for optimizing service-learning.

Start small

Keep the service-learning experience within the scope of the primary learning objectives of your class. Nothing too overwhelming. Plus, we’ve done the work in organizing a list official SLOs and competencies, located on our faculty page.

Make it relevant

Choose a local organization or a cause that aligns with your students’ interests. Help students see the real-world application of what they’re learning. Take a look at the partner and placements page for a list of who we regularly work with.

Or, you’re welcome to talk to us here at the CASL office about community partners. We care, so we most definitely share.

Always reflect and debrief

Make certain students to reflect on the service experience and discuss what they learned, how they grew, and how they can continue to make a positive difference.

Service-learning helps enhance your students’ academic retention, but can also boost cultural competence, ethical leadership, and community engagement. Our office is always here to help anyone interested in service-learning.

Let’s chat:

MissouriState.edu/casl | ServiceLearning@MissouriState.edu | 417-836-5774 | @MoStateCASL