Developing University and Community Partnerships: A Critical Piece of Successful Service Learning

• Published in: Journal of college science teaching 2015-01, Vol.44 (3), p.52-56
• Main Authors: McDonald, James, Dominguez, Lynn A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Collaboration; College Programs; College students; Communities; Community service; Course Objectives; Environment; Outreach Programs; Partnerships in Education; Program Descriptions; Program Development; Program Effectiveness; School Community Programs; School Community Relationship; Science and Society; Science Education; Science learning; Service Learning; Student Projects; Teachers; Teaching methods; Universities
• ISSN: 0047-231X; 1943-4898
• DOI: 10.2505/4/jcst15_044_03_52

The partnership between science and the environment in service-learning projects helps students to make greater connections to the world around them. Service learning provides many benefits to students, faculty, and communities within the context of a college course. However, to prevent frustration, it is important for faculty members to make a clear distinction between service learning and volunteerism by connecting their course objectives to the service being provided. They also must develop a framework for planning, assessment, and reflection. Finally, a successful partnership must be developed. Clearly defining the community setting to be used for the service-learning project will ensure a more positive outcome. Developing the partnership framework through purposeful communication with all partners is the key to successful service-learning projects. A sequential series of steps are provided for the framework development. Actual examples of classroom projects are described, along with benefits to students, agencies, and community participants.