Service Learning

I challenge a new generation ... to a season of service - to act on your idealism by helping troubled children, keeping company with those in need, and reconnecting our torn communities.

The service learning instructional methodology integrates community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical and reflective thinking, as well as, civic responsibility. Service learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community. Service learning is related to but does not include cooperative education, practicum, or internship programs.

Service learning is an effective teaching tool. Both faculty and students benefit, along with community members. Recent studies have shown that adding a community service learning component helps students learn more effectively. Critical reflection is the key element for relating the meaning of their service to course materials.

Service learning can work anywhere - in rural as well as urban areas, in all types of curricula, in large and small colleges. Community colleges in more than 40 states currently offer service learning to their students as a means of enhancing their education, giving them the opportunity to serve in their chosen field of study, and increasing their sense of civic responsibility.

Community colleges are ideal locations for service learning programs because community service is a part of their mission.

Dean of Instruction/Academic Enrichment
Global Studies, Fast Track
Carole Lester, PhD.
E-Mail: CLester@dcccd.edu
Fax: 972-238-6290
Phone: 972-238-6110

Coordinator of Service Learning
Karon Yeager
E-Mail: kby8442@dcccd.edu
Room: B227A
Fax: 972-238-6290
Phone: 972-238-6975

Academic Enrichment
Room: B227
E-Mail: RLD8325@dcccd.edu
Fax: 972-238-6290
Phone: 972-238-6223