“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
Top Ten Tips for a Successful Service-Learning Experience
Service-Learning is not your typical college assignment. It is a learning experience, and should challenge you to grow and think in new ways.
- Know and understand the goals for service-learning in your course. What does your instructor hope you will get out of your experience?
- Carefully select your service site. Consider the following questions:
What community issue(s) interest you? What project would provide you the greatest learning opportunity (go outside your box!)? When are you available to serve (evenings, days, weekends)? What are your location and transportation needs? What are skills/talents you would like to share? which would you like to develop? - Do not procrastinate. Plan your service ahead of time. Schedule your hours like you would a job or class time. Be consistent and honor your commitments.
- Be persistent. Initiative is important! Do not expect immediate responses from community partners to your phone calls or email. However, contact your professor if you do not receive a response within 3 working days.
- Be open-minded and open to the experience.
Examine your own preconceptions and stereotypes and take responsibility for them. You might encounter people who have different life experiences and perspectives than you. Try to set aside your personal judgments for the moment and really listen to people. - Expand your understanding of the community issue(s) your agency partner is working to address, such as poverty, elder care, immigration, veteran services, access to education, etc…
- Understand that nonprofits have a unique culture with their own strengths and weaknesses. Read this article (outside link) to learn more on the subject.
- Maintain personal boundaries. Be clear about your availability and goals for your service hours with your supervisor. Do not share your personal information with clients. Your focus should be on the agency and serving the clients.
- Read this important advice on staying safe.
- Reflect and critically analyze your experience.