Service-Learning
We need to engage our students more fully in the lives of our community, and in the celebration of the democratic ideals which define this state and this nation."
University of Hawaii President, David McClain, (March 2006)
Fall 2008 Service Learning Courses
Service-learning is a teaching and learning method in which students provide meaningful service in the community to help them better understand what they are learning in their college courses. Service-learning is embedded in academic courses and focuses on critical thinking and problem solving, personal development and community responsibility.
Service-learning is offered as an optional assignment and students who participate can expect to serve 20 or more hours per semester at community sites. Kapiolani Community College offers dozens of service-learning courses each semester and is recognized as a national leader in service-learning and community engagement.
Courses providing service-learning opportunities
Arts and Sciences and vocational/technical courses offer service-learning options. Instructors will inform their classes at the beginning of the semester and provide specific guidelines. See the current list below.Benefits of Participation
Fall 2008 Scholarship Recipients
Successful pathway students can qualify for paid student leadership positions and scholarships. For more information, contact the Service-Learning Office.
Other benefits include:
- Using your knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help build a stronger community, locally, nationally, and globally
- Learning how to identify and partner with community organizations
- Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of course content and the discipline
- Exploring career opportunities and enhancing your resume
- Working and communicating with individuals of all ages and backgrounds
- Developing writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Learning about cross-cultural and intergenerational communication skills
- Exploring policy and developing advocacy skills
Past Events and Projects.
In May of 2006, students from the University of Kansas, St. Mary's University, and Park University teamed up with students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and KCC for the "Global Solutions" project. As part of this project, the students produced the Building a Healthy Community website tailored to the specific needs of residents of Palolo Valley.
Service-Learning Instructions:
Step 1: Registration
To register for service-learning, you need to attend a scheduled orientation. Orientation dates and times are as follows:
|
Agenda |
Date |
Location |
Time |
|
KCC S-L Orientation #1 |
Sat Aug 30 |
Ohia 118 |
|
|
KCC S-L Orientation #2 |
Thur Sep 4 |
Naio 203 |
|
|
KCC S-L Orientation #3 |
Fri Sep 5 |
Ohia 118 |
|
|
Adopt an Ahupua`a Mandatory for AaA participants |
Fri Sep 5 |
Ohia 118 |
|
|
KCC S-L Orientation #4 |
Wed Sep 10 |
Ohia 118 |
|
|
Palolo Pipeline Mandatory Tutor Training |
Fri Sep 26 |
Chaminade, Ching Ctr. |
PM (TBA) |
**Additional project-specific training workshops are also scheduled including for Project SHINE, Adopt an Ahupua`a and Palolo Pipeline.
Step 2: Community Partner Agreement
Due: Friday, September 12, 2008
Discuss your duties, roles and responsibilities with your site contact as well as the days and times you will be at the site. Write this information on the form and make sure you and the site contact both sign it. Turn the signed Community Partner Agreement in to the Service-Learning office by September 12, or you will not be able to participate in service-learning for the semester.
Step 3: Attend a mid-term Reflection Workshop
Dates: (1) Wednesday, October 22, 2-3:00PM (Ohia 118)
(2) Friday, October 24, 9:30-10:30AM (Kalia 202)
“It’s mid-semester and I haven’t quite figured out how my community project relates to my course: how can I write about my experience?”
Attend one of two reflection workshops to discuss with Service-Learning leaders and peers about their reactions to service-learning, how it relates to their courses, how it is shaping their “paths” and why it is important. Please bring your thoughts and journals.
Step 4: Timesheet and Evaluation
Due: December 5, 2008
Download the Service-Learning Timesheet here.
Keep track of your hours throughout the semester and log them each week on your paper timesheet. Your timesheet must be signed by your supervisor and turned in to Naio 214 by December 5th in order to be counted toward your course requirements.
Step 5: Reflection Essay
Due: Friday, December 5, 2008
Turn in your reflection essay via the Service-Learning Laulima site by 4pm on December 5th (more instructions to come). Reflection essays should follow the format your instructor outlined in the syllabus or in class. If no format was given, essays must follow guidelines from the Service-Learning office.
Once you’ve done all this, you’ve successfully completed service-learning for the semester! We will notify your instructor that you have officially met all service-learning requirements and you will receive credit for your community learning experience!
Service Learning Pathway Opportunities
Questions? Contact us at kccserve@hawaii.edu or at 734.9353. You can also come see us in Naio 214.
| Forms |
|---|
 President's Volunteer Service Award Application 2008 (PDF) |
| Service Learning Fall 2008 Service - Learning Courses, (PDF) |
| Service Learning Reflection Essay Guide, (PDF) |
