Contributed by Matt Goreham, S-L Program Assistant &
Co-op
December 1, 2014
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Rick
Porter and Lisa Campagnoni, the instructors of MATH 3000 Co-op &
Experiential Learning Reflection Seminar to discuss how their class was going with the implementation of Service-Learning. MATH 3000 connects
academic and co-op experiences to gain knowledge through reflection. The course
is required of all students majoring in math and returning to campus after
their first co-op. The course itself is not new, but Service-Learning is the newest component of the course. Professors Porter and Campagnoni are aiming to
have a positive influence on the students' next steps in life and help them
make well thought out decisions.
The two were thrilled as to how well the class was
progressing. They expressed how meaningful it was to the students and how they saw a real change in many of them. Students were realizing that this class was
about much more than a mere grade. Through their service, the students
were able to see how their skills were valuable to the community; an experience
many hadn’t experienced through their co-ops. “The in class reflections were
very impressive to see,” remarked Professor Porter.
The professors believed Service-Learning could be a
valuable tool for this course because students would have a “real time
opportunity to reflect.” This real-time reflection is incredibly important in
the Service-Learning Program; by articulating their progress students have
made, they’re able to see their contributions making positive influences in the
community. The growth of the students is proof that they are benefiting their
community partner which is one of the main goals of the Service-Learning
Program; we want to make sure the relationship between student and community
partner is mutually beneficial.
When I asked what Professor Porter and Campagnoni would
say to other faculty who may be skeptical to implement a Service-Learning
requirement into their class they had nothing but positive things to say. “Go
for it!” was the first thing I heard (from Lisa) after the question was asked.
It is obvious you will never know until you try, but trying is what it is all
about. This experiential pedagogy can truly take learning to the next level as seen firsthand
in the Math 3000 Co-op & Experiential Learning Reflection Seminar.
Math 3000 Co-op & Experiential Learning Reflection
Seminar will continue integrating Service-Learning in the Spring 2015
semester - we can't wait to see what happens!
