Effective service-learning partnerships require learning about each other’s needs, planning, and ongoing communication. Having connection points throughout the semester is the best way to coordinate these. Â
Here are some tips to help connect and coordinate with instructors on service-learning projects.
Learn about the course:
A great place to start is learning about the course. Having an understanding of the students, the subject, and any requirements can guide you in getting the most out of service-learning partnership.Â
- Ask about learning outcomes.Â
- Each course has a set of educational goals called learning outcomes. The instructor uses these learning outcomes to determine what material is explored. Understanding learning outcomes may help guide students in their service.Â
- Ask details about students.
- How many students will be available?
- What types of skills & knowledge can students contribute?
- Ask about course requirements.
- Â When will students be starting the project?
- When is the deadline for completing the project?
- How will students be evaluated?
Share Organizational Needs:
- What are your organization’s goals and priorities?
- What are potential projects and specific tasks?
- What does success look like?
- What are your organization’s needs to host students?
- What parameters are required to serve with your organization?
- Do students need to complete an application or background check to serve?
- What training, onsite orientations, or supervision will students need to complete?
- What parameters are required to serve with your organization?
Plan Project Needs:
- Determine scope of project or number of expected service hours
- Will you visist the classroom/will the instructor visit the organization?
- What method/frequency of exchanging feedback between instructor and organization?