Service Learning

"Tell me   I forget Teach me   I remember Involve me   I understand." Chinese Proverb

Service Learning is a course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students:

• Participate in an organized service activity that meets community needs.
• Reflect on the service activity to gain deeper understanding of course content.
• Gain a stronger sense of civic responsibility.
• Enhance critical thinking skills.

SERVICE LEARNING FORMS

• Service Learning Confirmation Form
• Service Learning Student Evaluation Form

MISSION

The mission of Service Learning at Bergen Community College is to foster civic responsibility by combining active learning and service to the community with educational and leadership opportunities for students.

GOAL

To Work toward the institiutionalization of Service Learning as a viable component of academic study.

RECOGNITION EVENT

Each fall and spring semester, students and faculty who have chosen to make a difference, get involved in the community, and participate in Service Learning are honored during the Service Learning Recognition Evening.

• Service Learning Recognition Event

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

FOR FACULTY MEMBERS:
Service Learning is an effective teaching tool. It allows faculty to enjoy a new relationship with their students, thus increasing student interest in the subject.

• It connects the community with the curriculum, and creates more awareness of current sociaetal issues as they relate to your academic areas.
• It helps faculty identify new areas for research and publication, thereby increasing opportunities for professional development and scholarly growth.

FOR STUDENTS:
Service Learning enriches student learning of course material by allowing students a mainstream experience.

• It helps students come to see the relevance and importance of academic work in real life expereinces.
• It enhances students' self-esteem by allowing them to "make a difference" through their meaningful contribution to their communities.
• It improves interpersonal and human relation skills, important skills in achieving success in professional and personal spheres.
• It provides guidance and experience for future career choices.
• It provides structured time for a student to think, talk, and write about what he/she did and saw during the actual service activitiy and how it connects to the content.

FOR COMMUNITY:
Service Learning initiatives provide the community with personnel to meet its educational, human, safety, and environmental needs.

• It creates a spirit of civic responsibility that may replace the current state of dependence on government programs.
• It gives the community the opportunity to serve as a partner/mentor in education.

For additional information:

Mrs. Christine Matthews
Cooperative Education & Career Development Center
Room C-100, Telephone 201-447-7171, Fax  201-612-9865

Information available includes guidelines for integration into course content, curriculum development, community placements, as well as faculty support.