Service Learning In Dominica

What is Service Learning?

"Service Learning is a form of experiential education that allows students to engage in course work that addresses human and community needs together to promote student learning and development" (Jacoby, 1996).  Service Learning provides students with hands on experience, something that proves to be a very positive learning experience for most.  An example of a excellent service learning course at UVM is CDAE 195 Renewable Energy Workshops in Dominica.  For the past three years CDAE Professor Gary Flomenhoft has taught a service learning course in renewable energy that has been a great success.  Gary’s class works throughout the first half of the spring semester to plan workshops and projects which are to be complete over a spring break trip to the beautiful island of Dominica. 

Important Aspects of Service Learning Curriculum:

    Although different courses offer different levels of involvement with service learning there are key components that must exist within a curriculum for a course to be considered service learning.  Some people misinterpret service learning as standard community service or volunteering.  However service learning is much more complex than simply volunteer time.  Educational goals are one thing that must be  part of  Service Learning courses.  In the case of CDAE 195, the goals for the class are Renewable Energy education and development.  A second major piece of service learning curriculums are student-community partnerships created by the course work.  In a service learning course students work with community partners to plan and execute community development projects.  .  Known as the PARE Model Students first Prepare, then set into Action with Reflection through out and a finial Evaluation once the service is complete.  The UVM Office of Community-University Partnership and Service Learning (CUPS) heads all service learning courses and holds training for students who are interested in becoming service learning Teaching Assistants.  CUPS also is very helpful in locating funding for students who might not be able to afford the often expensive course fee’s that are a part of international service learning courses. 

What are the Benefits of Service Learning?

In a standard UVM class, similar projects might be planned in and presented in poster boards and power points but in Gary Flomenhoft’s class assignments and work are actually real world projects.  Service Learning Provides Students in CDAE 195 with real world, hands on experience in the field of renewable energy.  Along with the hands on experience building small scale renewable energy systems students are emerged within the culture of native Dominica. 

Another huge benefit of service learning are the partnerships that are created.  Students in a service learning class are linked with real world partnerships that involve and require both communication and planning skills.  In Gary Flomenhoft’s class the major partnerships are with 3 Rivers Resort, the Sustainable Living Initiative Center  Each partnership is unique and provides students with a working relationship that can greatly benefit both the student and the partners. and The Springfield Estate. 

Want to Learn More about Service Learning at UVM?

Visit the UVM Office of Community-University Partnership and Service Learning (CUPS) online at www.uvm.edu/partnershipor visit there office on campus in 103 B Morrill Hall.