James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

ED3460 - Service Learning

Subject Description

This subject focuses students from a range of disciplines on sustainability issues through the pedagogy and practice of service learning. Students will integrate meaningful community service (minimum 50 hours) with learning experiences and reflection to enrich their own knowledge and skills as active citizens. The service learning projects will aim to strengthen communities with a focus on activities that promote social and environmental responsibility. Students will explore a range of learning partnerships with community agencies, industry and business, preparing them for their role as civic professionals. Students have the option of local, national and international service learning experiences.

Learning Outcomes

• identify and access learning communities and networks that foster sustainable communities
• review legal, ethical and professional responsibilities associated with service learning experience and ensure conduct enhances the status of the profession
• establish learning goals and participate effectively in teams inline with personal skills and responsibilities
• critically reflect on professional learning and contribution to community
• explain how to apply approaches to lifelong learning that foster active citizenship in their profession

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (35%) - Individual
• Written > Proposal - (15%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Professional placement performance - (50%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Satisfactory completion of all components

Assumed Knowledge:  It is assumed that students will have: strong academic literacy capabilities; appropriate knowledge and skills to engage critically with texts and tasks; capacity for reflection and effective professional and interpersonal communication skills; the ability to work in new settings and contribute in meaningful ways; capacity for time-management and strong organisational skills.

Availabilities