Service Learning Conference - March 23-24, 2007
You are invited to join colleagues, community members and students on the Minot State University Campus on March 23-24, 2007 for Great Plains Connections: Linking Education and Community Through Service.
The vision for this regional conference is to begin a dialogue that links the resources and challenges of the community with educational institutions through Service Learning.
Though many definitions exist, simply put, Service learning connects hands on practical activities within businesses, organizations and community groups to the knowledge base provided to the student in the classroom. Service Learning unites academic study and volunteer community service in mutually reinforcing ways. It may involve teaching, health care, community development, environmental projects, construction, and a host of other activities that contribute to the well-being of people and communities.
Students gain further understanding of course materials, a broadened perspective and appreciation of their community and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of their unique role as active and engaged citizens.
The community members, as co-educators, benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of students providing much needed services that might otherwise go undone. The business or organization is the leader in determining student activities that address both the student's learning and the organization's needs.
The success of a Service Learning program is measured not only by what the student learns, but also by the usefulness of the student's work to those served.
For additional information, go to www.minotstateu.edu/gpc or contact Ruth Kihm, at 701-858-3142 or ruth.kihm@minotstateu.edu.