Checking in with students during the course of the semester is a very important component of the service-learning experience. These periodic check-ins give both the student and the agency an opportunity to reflect on the student’s experiences, and to ensure that the student’s learning objectives are being met.
Additionally, checking in with students will allow you an opportunity to help mentor the student’s experience. This could likely a student’s first experience with service and he or she may be feeling anxious about it. Periodic check ins will allow you to become involved as a teacher and mentor through out the experience.
It should also be noted that student-supervisor relationship is one of the most significant parts of the student’s experience and often determines the success of the service-learning placement. The supervisor is truly a partner in the student’s education and should view him or herself as an “educator”.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO ASK STUDENTS:
“How is this experience affecting you?”
“How does this relate to your coursework?”
“What are you learning from our clients?”
“Do you feel like you are making a difference?”
“Has this experience changed the way you view refugees, veterans, poverty, homeless issues…?”
PROVIDE FEEDBACK
1. Describe the acceptable level of performance
2. Describe the unacceptable level of performance
3. Describe how positive or negative performance impacts the agency.