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Leading
WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING
in Canada
CEWIL Resource Hub: Service Learning at Wilfrid Laurier University
Pedagogy
Experience
Assessment
Reflection
Pre-placement planning begins three months before the experience. Community service learning (CSL) program coordinators contact students to inform them of the CSL component and suggest how students can start preparing, e.g. obtaining a vulnerable sector check. Program coordinators review course content with faculty each term to make recommendations on relevant placements, roles, and community partners. During the first week of classes, students learn more about the CSL component and associated logistical items, like how to apply for a placement through the online program.
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Key success factors
The placement model is course-based and operates on a large scale for both in-person and online courses across multiple campuses.
Well-established relationships with community partners ensure there are enough placements for students. Community partners generally return to the program, with some relying on the program for their operations.
The CSL opportunities offer a broad range of possible experiences; many integrate students with populations and experiences in which they might not otherwise participate.
Unique characteristics
The program employs graduate student teaching assistants to facilitate reflection sessions that help to support different modes of reflection.
In some cases, students will stay on as volunteers with their placement organization.
Instructors teaching CSL courses for the first time are onboarded to develop their understanding of its nature and benefits. The process includes resources on how to integrate reflection into class sessions.
Students are encouraged to think of the placement as a weekly commitment rather than focusing on the total number of hours. They're also encouraged to make connections to their weekly course learning.
Challenges
It's important to remain aware of the local capacity for service learning and the needs of participating community partners.
It takes time to ensure consistent, high-quality placements, and to find the right placement fit for students within organizations. All of these qualities are impacted by the placement role, placement supervisor, on-boarding and orientation, and supports available to students
It's critical to handle the risk management aspects of the placements, including reporting for unpaid placements and documentation required by the university’s legal department.
Resources
Community Service Learning
at Wilfrid Laurier University
Student Success Stories
Internship leads to meaningful work for Laurier alumna
Laurier students secure grant funding for local non-profits
First Baptist Church Food Cupboard
Laurier student Aditya Manipadavu completes the cycle through Nutrition for Learning
Brittany goes beyond the books to help seniors stay independent
Laurier and Young City Growers' micro urban farm provides much more than a food source
Laurier alumna Becca Vandekemp McLellan (BA/BEd '12) is working to improve the lives of Brantford street youth
Laurier student turns translator through community service-learning course
Laurier students hit the ice with Community Service-Learning and SkateABLE
New Community Outreach Council helps students give back to the community
Laurier recognized with University Partner Award by Muslim Social Services
Key characteristics
Type: Service Learning
Year program was established: 10+ years ago
Number of students per year: 500+
Number of employers/partners per year: 150+
Programs/academic disciplines participating: Psychology Majors, other disciplines can take as electives
Duration of experience: Two hours per week over 10 weeks
Submitted by:
Lisa Jarvis
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