Service Learning
Through the Department of Languages and Communication
What is Service Learning?
Service learning is an educational experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. Unlike extracurricular voluntary service, service learning is a course-based service experience that produces the best outcomes when meaningful service activities are related to course material through reflection activities such as directed writings, small group discussions, and class presentations. Unlike practice and internships, the experiential activityin a service learning course is not necessarily skill-based within the context of professional education (Bringle & Hatcher, 1996).
SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS:
Leader: Dr. Claudia Salcedo
Location: Louisiana
Courses: Spanish 310
The students were engaged in several service learning at several locations. Some students taught English to various groups of Spanish speakers in exchange for Spanish conversation practice, others translated and assisted a new Dual Language School program in Livingston, others volunteered at the Migrant Head Start school, and others volunteered at nursing homes and hospitals to assist Spanish speaking patients.
(Fall 2008)
Leader: Dr. Claudia Salcedo
Location: Ecuador
Courses: FLAN441, Spanish 403
A team of three SLU students along with faculty from SLU and LSU helped construct a church and clear roads in rural Ecuador. Students were enrolled in reading and internship courses.
Study Abroad, Summer 2007
Leader: Dr. Claudia Salcedo
Location: Costa Rica
Courses: Spanish 403, Spanish 324
-The students of the study abroad program in San José, Costa Rica were sent to help students at the university lab school through the University of Costa Rica's student volunteer department.
(Study Abroad, 2005 & 2006)
Leader: Dr. Claudia Salcedo
Location: Louisiana
Courses: FLAN 305
Students of the department's Spanish for Nursing class translated for parents and hispanic community members who came to the Migrant Head Start Health Fair.
(Spring 2005 & 2006)
Leader: Dr. Claudia Salcedo
Location: Mexico
Students spent time volunteering at an orphanage near Cuernavaca called Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters, NPH). (Summer 2006)
Leader: Dr. Javaherian & Marta Gumpert
Location: Louisiana
Courses: FLAN 403
Student teaching at the SLU Head Start and Lab School. (Fall 2005)
Leader: Dr. Javaherian, Marta Gumpert, & Mariela Sánchez
Location: Louisiana
Courses: FLAN 403
Students teaching at the SLU Head Start and Lab School. (Fall 2004 and Spring 2005)
Leader: Dr. Bornier, Dr. Marshall and Dr. Kolb
Location: Louisiana
Courses: FLAN 403
A service learning project that began by teaching French at Midway Elementary and expanded to Martha's Vinyard and Albany High. (Fall 2004, Spring 2005, and Fall 2005)
Leader: Dr.Amber Narro
Location: Louisiana
Courses: COMM 159
Students collect Community Coffee labels at the end of the semester to support local public schools
Leader: Dr.Amber Narro
Location: Louisiana
Courses: COMM 436/563
Students each adopt a non-profit and produce their public relations materials for them for the entire semester.
Leader: Dr.Amber Narro
Location: Louisiana
Courses: COMM 621
Students plan and implement the Southeastern celebration of Earth Day and provides information about green living to students.
Leader: Dr.Amber Narro
Location: Louisiana
Courses: COMM 665
Adopted Northshore Support and Services to plan its image campaign.