Academically-Based Service-Learning (ABSL) provides students with the opportunity to engage in service-learning in connection with their courses through linking service experiences with relevant assignments and activities. Through this integration, service becomes a pedagogical tool that is used to meet course objectives as well as a way to serve individuals and communities. ABSL may be used across disciplines.
Options
- Include service-learning as an option in place of another requirement for a class, such as a paper.
- Make service-learning a requirement for a particular course, relating the assignment to specific course objectives (more integral to the particular objectives of the course).
- Design a 1-credit service-learning component for students who register for this option.
Faculty members, if you are considering ABSL, the Service-Learning Program can assist you by:
- Providing resources research syllabi, information on local organizations, books on service-learning.
- Serving as a liaison between you and a service organization.
- Giving students ideas for service opportunities.
- Providing help with publicity, facility use, and other needs that arise.
- Helping you celebrate success!
Here is a useful resource that provides discipline-specific ideas for ABSL projects:
Sample Syllabi from Campus Compact
Printed handouts and books that discuss ABSL ideas are also available in the Service-Learning
Center (F-201).
Please share what you are doing!