What is service learning?
Service learning is where students gain insights about a course's subject matter while helping to meet the needs in the community. Through site experience and subsequent reflection students are expected to learn course concepts more thoroughly.
Note: Service learning involvement is limited to not-for-profit organizations.

How much time do students spend?
Since service learning is a course assignment, the time spent should be proportional to its percentage of the course grade. If the service learning assignment is often worth .10 to .15 of the grade, students should spend 15-40 hours at the community site. To communicate the importance of service learning, one professor gives back three hours of in-class time he calls "service learning exchanges."

What might a service-learning syllabus entry look like?
"Service Learning Assignment. In lieu of some class time, you will contribute at least 15 hours of service in a community-based not-for-profit organization. You are expected to engage in dialogue (conversation) with the persons you are serving. You will take detailed notes on your interactions to facilitate later reflection on applications of course concepts. This assignment will culminate in a 6-8 page written reflection paper plus an oral report to the class."

What kinds of involvements might students encounter?

• Take blind children for walks in a park and describe the environment
• Serve food to the homeless
• Go horseback riding with mentally disabled youth
• Assist at a rest home
• Read to the blind
• Team problem solving
• Clean up a beach
• Work a crisis hotline
• Tutor children in reading, arithmetic, etc.

When does the service begin?
Students usually begin their service after the 4th week of the term. As students become more acquainted with course concepts, they become integrated into their duties.
Note: By the 5th week, a document is required making the student's service-learning plans explicit.

What about liability?
Cal State Fullerton does not provide health or accident insurance for students. They are required to carry their own medical and hospital insurance. Health insurance is available through the Student Health Center. Students should investigate whether their service-learning site has liability insurance that covers them while volunteering. Instructors are encouraged to have students sign the CSUF "Service-Learning Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement" form. A copy of the form may be obtained form Dr. Page, CP420-3.

What kinds of insights might students expect to gain?

• Homeless people are "real" people--some are smart and some are funny
• I redefined myself with some new interaction situations
• I discovered what makes interpersonal communication interpersonal
• Some people don't listen even when it's to their advantage
• Being immediate with persons helps build credibility
• Co-creation of meaning generate mutual respect for the uniqueness of both parties
• My experience broke my stereotypes of alcoholics

What is meant by "reflection?"
Reflection is the ability to step back and ponder one's experiences. More poetically, ". . .the capacity for reflection is what transforms experience into learning." Theorists tell us that learning occurs only from reflecting on experiences. Students often write a reflection paper accounting for theoretical and practical insights; they also reflect on their views toward service to others and how service-learning caused them to reconstruct their lives.

Note: If you have other questions, please feel free to contact the college service-learning liaison (Dr. Norm Page) via telephone at 714 278-3571, or email, npage@fullerton.edu.

Note: Service learning is supported by the CSUF Center for Community Service Learning which can help with site placements. Please call Jeannie Kim-Han, Director, at (714) 278-3746 located in UH-230.