Academic Service Learning
Northland College's Academic Service Learning program is affiliated with Minnesota Campus Compact. This coalition of 48 college and university presidents is committed to strengthening communities through campus-community collaboration and education for informed and active citizenship. Learn more at Minnesota Campus Compact.
What is Academic Service Learning (ASL)?
Academic Service Learning is a method by which students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that ...
- Meet actual community needs.
- Enhance what is taught in the curriculum by extending student learning beyond the classroom.
- Help to foster the development of a sense of caring for others through formal reflection.
- Promote civic involvement.
Academic Service Learning is NOT ...
- An internship
- Cooperative Education
- Simply Community Volunteerism
Benefits of Academic Service Learning
Students benefit from ASL by:
- Using newly acquired academic skills and knowledge in real life situations in their own communities.
- Participating in and understanding their social responsibilities to their communities.
- Acquiring skills and confidence.
- Displaying dependability, trustworthiness, and responsibility.
- Using critical thinking and problem-solving skills in completing assigned tasks.
- Gaining hands-on experiences.
Colleges benefit from ASL by:
- Directly serving their communities.
- Breaking down barriers between the college and their communities.
- Fulfilling accreditation criteria.
Communities benefit from ASL by:
- Establishing long-term relationships with students and the college.
- Utilizing the help of volunteers.
- Providing potential for future involvement.
Faculty benefit from ASL by providing students the oppurtunity to:
- Learn more and retain it longer.
- Contribute more in classroom discussions.
- Develop positive attitudes toward learning.
Summary of Projects
East Grand Forks Campus
- Anthropology 2202 - By Michelle Thomas
- Teddy Bear Clinic - Riverview Hospital
- NCTC Communication Class
- Discipline Specific - By Kristina Gray, Dec. 14, 2005
- Office Procedures - American Red Cross
- CLST 2200 Quality Assurance and Statistics - By Mary Belanus / Paula Bowman
- 2006 Marketplace for Kids - By Kit Brenan
Thief River Falls Campus
- Northland Marketing Students Participate in Academic Service Learning Project with Pioneer 90.1
- NCTC Practical Nursing Students Conduct Health Fair at TRF Campus
- Fall 2005 was a successful semester for Academic Service Learning opportunities
- Northland Music Students Participate in an “Academic Service Learning” Project Franklin Middle School Choir Classes
