With the University’s strategic plan emphasizing experiential learning, you might ask yourself: how can I add this to my already busy semester? From science labs to service-learning projects, experiential learning is ever changing in how it appears.
Service-Learning (SL) focuses on projects that engage with and give back to the community. This type of work is deeply meaningful and helps students connect learning with a larger purpose. While community-engaged projects are often transformative learning experiences for students, as a professor designing and executing a SL class, this can sometimes feel like trying to navigate a steep trail.
So how do you create a project where your students don’t get lost in the woods? Any outdoor enthusiast will tell you that the success of a trip is built long before you set foot on the trail.
First, plan the experience by asking these questions:
- What might students be able to contribute? (Time or a product?)
- What learning outcomes could students achieve through a project/experience?
- How will it add capacity to the community?
- What will success look like?
- How will it be evaluated?
Second, carefully map out the community experience. For example, one of the key elements of a manageable project is making sure your project matches the skillsets of your students and the scope of your class. (Don’t have your students coordinate an event unless event planning is one of the learning outcomes of your class). In addition, provide students with milestones to help them navigate the twists and turns of community projects.
Here are more questions to ask yourself before designing a project and tips for designing manageable projects that will help you and your students enjoy the journey.
We would love your comments and suggestions on our blog and tip sheets. Please email KaraBrascia@boisestate.edu.