Overview

Sponsored by the Office of Service-Learning, this learning community supports the creation of high quality courses using service-learning pedagogy addressing the development of personal and social responsibility and civic learning. Members will expand their understanding of service-learning pedagogy, dialogue with peers engaged in course re/design, and participate in an on-going support network during course delivery. Contact OSL Director, Jane Rosser (jrosser@bgsu.edu), for more information.

Description

This learning community supports the creation of high quality courses using service-learning pedagogy addressing the development of personal and social responsibility and civic learning. Faculty may propose to redesign or strengthen an existing course or develop a brand new course. Courses that meet BG Perspective or BGeXperience requirements will be particularly welcome. The learning community structure will facilitate interdisciplinary connections and hopefully spur future collaborations for service-learning research, outreach, and external funding. There will be a clear timetable for participants to ensure that they conclude the fall and spring with a strong course design and partnership development (including Blue Sheets etc., as required), and a summer plan to ensure the course is successfully taught in either fall 2009, or spring/summer 2010. The learning community will meet bi-weekly in academic year 2008-2009, and participants will continue to be part of a monthly learning community meeting in academic year 2009-2010 so they have access to a professional development network as they are implementing their new course.

Reasons to Participate

• receive a $3,000 Service-Learning Course Development Grant (sponsored via a generous partnership with the University Bookstore). $500 of this grant is earmarked for the community partner in the proposed course to assist in the development of a strong partnership model.
• develop knowledge of learning outcomes for service-learning and outcomes assessment plans for classes.
• build a network of peers committed to service-learning and engaged learning.
• explore best practices in service-learning pedagogy and course design.
• incorporate community partnership best practices into course design and delivery.
• participate in an on-going support network during course delivery.
• become part of an ongoing network of service-learning colleagues and engaged professional educators at BGSU.
• build an on-going relationship with the Office of Service-Learning

Member Commitments

As a member, you

• participate in an initial half day service-learning course development workshop
• attend the scheduled, community meetings during academic year 2008-2009 (six to eight per semester)
• in 2009-2010 attend a monthly learning community meeting as the new courses are being implemented
• commit to teach your service-learning course during academic year 2009-2010
• present on your experiences in your course as part of the Service-Learning Faculty Focus series
• participate in your community’s activities, topics, and/or projects, including the BGSU Teaching and Learning Fair (February 6, 2009)
• provide the Center end-of-semester and end-of-year assessment feedback
• are invited to participate in an end-of-year, learning community dinner (T, W, or TH of exam week).
• participate in assessment and reporting activities required by the Office of Service-Learning

Who Should Apply           

Candidates should be tenure-track faculty members including assistant, associate, and full professors or Lecturers or Instructors, who have experience with service-learning or a passion for the development of community based pedagogies and engagement. Participants will be chosen to create a diverse group representing a variety of disciplines, experiences, and colleges at main campus and Firelands.

Meeting Time (approx. bi-weekly)

Monday 9:00 – 10:30 am
Or
Tuesday 3:30 – 5:00 pm

Learning Community Facilitators

Dr. Jane Rosser (jrosser@bgsu.edu)
Director, Office of Service-Learning

Dr. Nancy Orel (norel@bgsu.edu)
Associate Professor
Gerontology
(co-facilitator for 2008-2009)