Service-Learning Program Overview and Goals

The Liemandt Family Service-Learning Program is committed to holistic learning by incorporating the classroom and community into the learning experience. It develops intentional and meaningful service experiences based in social justice and academic learning.

Students in the program work towards positive, sustainable change in the community while enhancing his/her own education. The program:

Enhances critical thinking skills
Integrates theory and praxis
Fosters the practice of Benedictine values
Encourages active commitment to citizenship
Fosters career exploration
Develops personal and social skills by challenging existing boundaries
Increases awareness and commitment to social justice issues

Faculty in the program work hand in hand with community partners to ensure a strong, unique educational experience. The program:

Educates faculty in the service-learning model
Provides numerous opportunities for logistical support such as seeking out and creating strong community partnerships
Presents information to students within the classroom and monitors student placements
Ensures quality implementation of service-learning within the classroom by being available for consultations and class meetings

As our co-educators and partners, community agencies and organizations in the program play important roles in the fulfillment of a holistic education. The Program:

Educates partners in the service-learning model
Provides support in monitoring student placements
Enhances the effectiveness of a program
Enhances the quality of life in those that students serve
Facilitates program evaluation

Goals

The Service-Learning program is guided by three core areas of learning: personal, civic, and academic. Personal learning goals are described as the building of skills or personal characteristics through students' service-learning projects. Most often students demonstrate increased development in:

Personal Learning:

Patience
Communication
Decision making skills
Problem solving skills
Public speaking skills
Increased confidence relating with others of different age, socio-economic, ethnic, or gender identity group
Listening
Relationship building
Practicing confidentiality
Mediation skills
Organizational skills

Civic Learning:

An understanding of the impact of the CSB/SJU student role at the organization
An understanding of the organization's mission and role
An understanding of the purpose and impact of the organization in the community
An understanding of the social issue(s) that the organization addresses

Academic Learning:

Understanding objectives of service-learning project in course syllabus
Relating course concepts and theories in the community project and bringing that back into the classroom