Academic Service Learning
Beginning the 2009-2010 academic year, Discover New
York will include a 6 hour Academic Service Learning component. The
2008-2013 University Strategic Plan highlights the importance of
Academic Service-Learning and challenges the need to,
“Expand the Academic Service-Learning (ASL)
program to create, sustain and perpetuate the experiential aspect
of a St. John’s education, allowing all students to be involved
with and reflect upon the disadvantaged in our local communities,
in the nation and around the world through service and
community-based research. Plans are underway to incorporate an
Academic Service-Learning component into the Discover New York core
course, beginning in fall 2009 so that all freshmen will experience
reflection and service. We expect that by the fall of 2013,
academic-service learning and service opportunities will be so
embedded at the University that no student will graduate without an
experience of direct service to the poor.”
The following pages are brief outlines on how
to incorporate Academic Service-learning into a course. For
assistance please visit the website link:
http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/learning
or contact Ms. Lynn Stravino at (718) 990-7902 or
stravinl@stjohns.edu, or
on Staten Island, Ms. Crystal Vera at (718) 390-4119 or verac@stjohns.edu.
Academic Service-Learning is a teaching method where
students learn and develop through thoughtfully organized service
which re-enforces course content. This service is conducted in a
community and is structured to meet a real need within the
community. It is a coordinated effort between an institution of
higher education and the targeted community. Service-Learning helps
foster civic responsibility; is integrated into and enhances the
academic curriculum of the students enrolled; and includes
structured time for students to reflect on the service
experience.
Adapted from:
American Association for Higher Education
(AAHE):Series on Service-Learning in the Disciplines(from the
National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993).