From right here in Ruston to the jungles of Honduras, service-learning is an integral part of Louisiana Tech's mission.
Service-learning is a teaching and learning method that upholds a commitment to appreciating the assets and serving the needs of a community partner while enhancing student learning and academic rigor through the practice of intentional reflective thinking and responsible civic action. Unlike internships, community service, and volunteerism, service-learning is different because it emphasizes benefits to both those served and the service provider. Four necessary components for any course that seeks to offer a service-learning experience for students are that it has a commitment to community partnership, it involves learning and academic rigor, it incorporates intentional reflective thinking, and above all it practices civic responsibility.
Louisiana Tech University and the University of Louisiana System has a commitment to service learning and encourages faculty to develop courses with a service-learning component. Under the guidance of Dr. Rick Simmons, the Louisiana Tech Director of Service-Learning, The Center for Academic and Professional Development offers support for faculty who wish to engage in a service-learning experience. Sample syllabi are available from previously offered courses as well as periodic training and mentoring by experienced faculty. Contact CAPD for more information, suggestions, or requests.
Upcoming Service-Learning Projects
On Saturday, September 26th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lowe's in Ruston, the Louisiana Tech Division of Nursing, along with the Ruston Fire Department, the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Ruston Police Department, will sponsor Safety Saturday. There will be an EMS ambulance for blood pressure checks, a fire ladder truck, instruction on gun safety, chalk drawings for fire evacuation plans, and for children, a "building a fire truck" project in Lowe's, face painting, and much more. Join our coulleagues in nursing for this important event. Contact Ramona Guin in Nursing for more details.
Recent Service-Learning Projects
Summer 2009
14 Nursing 210 Extension students implemented four service- learning projects working with four community agencies which included working with pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and substance abuse at Our House in Monroe; Shaken Baby Syndrome at the Community Baby Shower at Lincoln Parish Library in Ruston; sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy at the Red River Marine Institute in Bossier City; and Shaken Baby Syndrome at Transition House in Monroe. These projects included a total of 103 participants.
Assessments to reflect critical reflection included journaling on Blackboard, classroom presentation and discussions, and evaluations completed by students and agency personnel.
