Lori Gray, director of music education in Boise State’s Music Department, recently partnered with Maple Grove Elementary School on a service-learning project. Students from Gray’s General Music Methods and Materials class designed and implemented music lessons with second graders, leading to a concert for families.
The service-learning project was developed in collaboration with Maple Grove’s Master Teacher, Amy Wickstrom. This was Gray’s fifth year teaching with a service-learning component in her class. In this time, Gray and community partners have built relationships and refined the projects to be impactful and to match the curriculum needs and capacities of all stakeholders.
Service-learning projects are not necessarily easy for students, Gray said, as they require additional hours of work and dedication to meeting the community partner’s needs. However, students say they feel rewarded by the experience. Many students share that they feel more confident as a result of their service-learning experience.
“I feel like I could teach – and I never thought I would,” one student said.
To learn about other service learning projects on campus and hear the students’ perspective, visit the Spring 2023 Service-Learning Exhibition from 4-6 p.m. on April 27.
If you want to learn more about service learning opportunities at Boise State, visit their website or email the Director of Service-Learning at KaraBrascia@boisestate.edu.