Service-Learning

The Morgridge Center for Public Service supports service-learning as an effective and innovative teaching methodology for various disciplines.

Service-learning is a "course-based, credit-bearing educational experience that allows students to (a) participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and (b) reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility" (Bringle & Hatcher, 1995, p. 112).

Resources for Faculty

Course Development Grants

Up to $1500 is available to assist faculty  in the development and/or implementation of a new-service-learning/community- based research course or to add service-learning/community-based research to an existing course. Before you complete the application, please familiarize yourself with the funding criteria.

In order to receive funding the following criteria must be met:

1. Students enrolled in the class provide a needed service and/or research to non-profit organizations, schools or other entities in the community and that service and/or research is defined/identified in consultation with the community partners(s).
2. Students' service and/or research experience is directly related to the subject matter of the course.
3. Class activities regularly provide a method(s) for students to think critically about what they have learned through their service experiences and how this learning relates to the academic content of their course, (commonly called critical reflection).
4. The class provides students venues to learn from other class members, as well as the professor/instructor.
5. Academic credit is awarded for learning, not for service. Student learning must be evaluated from traditional sources (text-books, lectures, library research, etc) AND from the community service/community-based research, AND from a blending of the two.

Applications are available here.

Criteria form here.

Questions can be directed to Randy Wallar ,jrwallar@wisc.edu, 608-262-5781

Service-Learning Fellows

Service-Learning Fellows are undergraduates assigned to a specific faculty member for at least one semester to assist in planning and implementing his/her service-learning course. Fellows are trained to establish community placements, lead reflection exercises and maintain on-going communication between the community organizations and the course. To learn more about this service contact Randy Wallar at jrwallar@wisc.edu.

Service-Learning Roundtable Discussions

These discussions are held twice a semester on a topic related to service-learning and community based research. Past roundtable topics have included reflection, community based research, and reciprocal partnership. Check back for the Fall 2007 schedule.

Faculty Consultation

Faculty and academic staff are available to meet one-on-one with faculty to assist in the design, development and implementation of service-learning projects.

For more information, contact:

Michael Thornton, Facutly Director
mcthornt@wisc.edu,608-262-0787

or

Randy Wallar, Associate Director
jrwallar@wisc.edu, 608-262-5781