SERVICE LEARNING INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
FAQ'S & DIRECTORY OF SITES
1. What is the difference between service learning and doing volunteer work?
Service learning is course based service experience. You will learn to transform your classroom learning into real life learning through service. You will be asked your thoughts, feelings and notions about your service experience through reflection activities such as directed writings, small group discussions, and class presentations.
2. How do I sign up for service learning?
You can become involved in service learning by signing up for a course that offers service learning as an option. The service learning administrator will visit your class early in the semester and go over the application process in detail. For a complete list of the courses and section numbers that offer the service learning option, please contact the service learning administrator at 610.861.5061. The service learning option varies from course to course each semester.
3. Do I need to have transportation to the site?
Yes, it is important to have your own transportation.
4. How many hours of service are required during the semester?
This depends on the individual instructor, however, you can expect to spend approximately 15-30 hours per semester. This amounts to 1-2 hours per week throughout a 15 week semester.
5. What are some of the sites/services that I can choose from?
Students work in various sites throughout the Lehigh Valley and Monroe campus areas. A sampling includes: after school tutoring at local elementary schools; recreational aids at Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club; mentoring/tutoring at the Easton Children's Home; prepare and serve meals at Trinity ARK Soup Kitchen in Easton; be a spotter for disabled youth who as part of their therapy ride horses; serve as activity assistants in nursing homes; provide support in local probation and police departments; perform duties on an as needed basis at Turning Point, Third Street Alliance, and Safe Harbor. There are many more opportunities: please contact the service learning administrator for further information.
6. Is service learning extra credit?
No. Service learning is built into the course's objectives and goals. Because it is typically an option, there will be different requirements for the service learning activity depending on the instructor. Your final grade will be based on your performance on all required components of the class. Some instructors may require a weekly journal of your experiences in lieu of a term paper. You may have different supplemental readings, or be asked to present your experiences to the class.
7. Do I need to spread my 15-30 hours across the whole semester, or can I condense them into a shorter period?
The objective of service learning is to provide service and support to sites in need, while at the same time utilizing your classroom skills in the real world. You are giving something back to your community. If you decide to commit to this, the site is depending on you to be a reliable volunteer. This opportunity is not designed for you to avoid doing another, less appealing assignment, or to "put your hours in." The purpose of service learning is to commit yourself to the site for a semester, or in some projects, for the amount of time it takes to complete the project. The bottom line is commitment to your site.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Debra Bohr, Service Learning Administrator
College Center, Room 202
610-861-5061
dbohr@northampton.edu
