Teaching Tips and Questions

 View Only
  • 1.  Service-learning/community engagement in a fully online setting

    Posted 04-10-2020 18:31
    Edited by Flora Farago 04-10-2020 18:32
    Dear SRCD Colleagues, 
    Our program is struggling with moving certain course expectations, such as service-learning and community volunteering, to a fully online format. What I mean by fully online is some of our classes were delivered online prior to the the pandemic, however, students were still required to complete service-learning projects, in-person at various agencies, that ranged from 6 hours to 200 hours per semester depending on the course (lower-level intro course vs. senior-level practicum course). Obviously, for the current semester, some of these expectations were altogether removed from our classes. However, as we are planning for the summer and fall, we are seeking "alternative" and "commensurate" assignments/experiences as (this is difficult to even write) things may not return to "normal" for some time. Any ideas would be much appreciated!!!
    Best,
    Flora

    ------------------------------
    Flora Farago
    Stephen F. Austin State University

    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Service-learning/community engagement in a fully online setting

    Posted 04-11-2020 13:09
    Hi Flora,

    I can completely relate--our university, Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, is having similar difficulties. "engaged learning" is a disaster when doing classes on-line or remotely. 

    I am wondering if students can get involved with some of the civic initiatives to deal with the fallout of this pandemic. Here are some things happening in Chicago, for example,
    1. CODE (Council on Digital Equity)--is trying to get internet connections and computers to students in the poorest and most under-resourced areas, 
    2. Therapists have offered volunteer services to first responders or others suffering.

    I am sure there are other initiatives in your area as well--and this is all being done on-line. I am thinking that these initiatives might need some help in recruiting, emailing, setting up blogs, ect. 

    I do think it is difficult for service learning students to be held to their requirements this semester. 

    And I will say this again---so many students do not have internet access, proper functioning computers or even quiet spaces to work---simply saying our classes must go on-line is unrealistic for those who do not have the resources. We all need to take a pause in what we are doing and how we do it in terms of conducting education. 

    This pandemic is further showcasing the devastating inequity in our society.  Is anyone paying attention? The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. 

    On-line education should be the great leveler---but in its current state--it is not the equity tool that it was meant to be. 

    OK I'm off my soap box now. 

    Good luck Flora. Post any good ideas--many of us can share them for sure. 

    Breckie

    ------------------------------
    Breckie (Ruth) Church
    Professor
    Northeastern Illinois University
    Chicago IL
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Service-learning/community engagement in a fully online setting

    Posted 04-12-2020 08:25
    What alternatives might work depend on your goals for service learning.  In my courses, I want students in the community working with children or older adults so that they can connect the content in my course on Lifespan Development to real examples.  Students have the option to volunteer weekly or to read a memoir.  They submit reflections (about 7 across the semester) that focuses their work (or memoir reading) to course content.  I am happy to share the titles of the memoirs I have used and sample reflection questions.

    ------------------------------
    Martha Arterberry
    Professor
    Colby College
    Waterville ME
    207-859-5553
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Service-learning/community engagement in a fully online setting

    Posted 04-28-2020 12:22
    I would love to see the titles of the memoirs you have used and sample reflection questions. I generally have students do field projects and volunteer work in each of my upper division developmental classes (Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, and Adult Psychology) and will have to change my requirements for the fall.

    ------------------------------
    Janet Dorning
    Professor
    Athens State University
    Athens AL
    256-233-6535
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Service-learning/community engagement in a fully online setting

    Posted 04-29-2020 14:43
      |   view attached
    Hi Janet, 

    I uploaded my assignment to the Teaching Materials Exchange Library (under "Other").  I will also attach it here. I hope you find this information helpful.  

    Best, Martha


    ------------------------------
    Martha Arterberry
    Professor
    Colby College
    Waterville ME
    207-859-5553
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)



  • 6.  RE: Service-learning/community engagement in a fully online setting

    Posted 04-30-2020 12:47
    Thanks, Martha.

    ------------------------------
    Janet Dorning
    Professor of Psychology
    Athens State University
    Athens AL
    256-233-6535
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Service-learning/community engagement in a fully online setting

    Posted 05-13-2020 11:10
    Hello Everyone,

    I'm in a similar boat where I teach a course with a required 120 hour internship component. The main course objectives are to:
    • Engage in self-exploration and professional role development within the context of a human service organization internship and seminar-based learning;
    • Demonstrate their ability to integrate theory, knowledge, and research to real-world work and internship practice related to families through the evaluation of the cultural competency of their internship site.
    Based on this I have been focusing more on preparing students (mainly graduating seniors) on ways to enhance their career development, by using career self-exploration, LinkedIn Learning, and leveraging informational interviews for them to learn about different career paths. I still unfortunately haven't found good supplements for the hands on experience they would receive at internship sites. I instead have focused more on working with internship sites on what are creative ways students can telework to still benefit the organization. This is becoming challenging as many internship sites weren't prepared for this and most students felt like they were receiving busy work from their internship site. 

    I was wondering if anyone else has suggestions on what students can do as telework for human service organizations (most students work with schools and elderly care facilities)? 


    ------------------------------
    Ashley Pantaleao
    Baltimore MD
    ------------------------------