Service Learning Janet Eyler Vanderbilt University We do

Service Learning Janet Eyler Vanderbilt University

We do not learn from doing, we learn from thinking about what we do. - Northwest Service Academy Experience is not what happens to people; it is what people do with what happened to them. - Aldous Huxley Eyler reflecting on service

Goals of Reflection 8 Exploring impressions and feelings 8 Understanding self and place in world 8 Deep understanding of academic content; connecting theory with service 8 Applying learning to practice -- transfer 8 Challenging assumptions/ transforming perspectives 8 Stimulating cognitive development/ problem solving 8 Becoming self-aware – metacognition

What Value can Service-Learning Add to Academic Learning ? 8 Acquisition of Facts 8 Deep understanding 8 Problem solving 8 Practical application 8 Transforming Perspectives 8 Critical Thinking/cognitive development 8 Life long learning skills

Reflection is the most consistent quality variable in servicelearning research that is linked to positive outcomes. Eyler reflecting on service

Eyler Service-Learning

Eyler Service-Learning

Kolb’s Model of Learning Concrete Experience WHAT? Reflective Observation ACTION REFLECTION Active Experimentation NOW WHAT? Abstract Conceptualization SO WHAT?

Effective Reflection Based on Research Interviews with Students 8 Continuous 8 Connected 8 Challenging 8 Contextualized Eyler reflecting on service

Your Reflection Map From: Eyler, J. (2001). Creating your reflection map. In M. Canada (Ed. ) Service-learning: Practical advice and models. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass New Directions for Higher Education Series # 114, 35 -43

We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time T. S. Eliot

A Positive Learning Experience Step 1: Step 2: Step 4 Step 3