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Service-Learning Anesa Barton
What exactly is it? The National Service-Learning Clearing House defines service-learning as “a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities…”
“…Through service-learning, young people—from kindergarteners to college students—use what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. They not only learn the practical applications of their studies, they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform.”
Benefits of service-learning • The University of Minnesota states these as benefits of Service Learning: • Increase your understanding of the class topic • Gain hands-on experience (possibly leading to an internship or job later) • Have opportunities to act on your values and beliefs • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills • Grow your understanding of diverse cultures and communities • Learn more about social issues and their root causes • Develop or enhance your skills, especially in the areas of communication, collaboration, and leadership • Connect with professionals and community members who you will learn from • Grow a professional network of people you might connect with again later for jobs or internships • Satisfy your urge toward public service or civic participation
Personal Benefits of service-learning • For me, service-learning extended past the generic benefits. It gave me a way to bond with my peers while I also learned about myself. Service-learning definitely teaches people to look outside yourselves for the benefits of others. It taught me to be unselfish and helped me think of others before myself.
Adopt-A-Highway • Adopt A Highway Maintenance Corporation (AHMC) provides a company or organization the oppor- tunity to brand their company name and logo while supporting the community that their customers live and work in.
Adopt-A-Highway • In my Freshman Year Experience class we adopted a mile of Ashley Street which is a street near our school. We walked up and down the street picking up trash and helping clean up the community; one piece of trash at a time.
Cookies For Cancer • The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. • As a service-learning project, I helped bake cookies for a bake sale in which the profits went to the ACS.
American Red Cross Blood Drive • The American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering. • At Valdosta State, the sororities had a blood drive. The proceeds went to the American Red Cross. As part of my service-learning, I gave blood to help the cause.
