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Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - 2:15 PM
450
Incorporating service learning into higher education to address water resource issues
Ashley H. Moerke, Department of Biological Sciences, Lake Superior State University, 650 W. Easterday Ave., Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783
Science educators are increasingly searching for techniques and tools that engage students, promote critical thinking, and produce educated citizens. A relatively recent approach used in K-12 and higher education classrooms to bridge the gap between science and the community is service learning. Service learning provides students with valuable learning experiences while addressing a specific community need. In 2007, the Mackinaw/Chippewa Conservation District acquired funding to implement local watershed improvement projects, but the funding required large volunteer matches. To address the conservation district’s needs and to provide a unique education opportunity, a Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems course was created for undergraduate students at Lake Superior State University. Through this course, students were involved in project design, implementation and assessment, and were exposed to the scientific and management decision processes. Students were engaged, took ownership of their ideas and projects, and gained a different perspective on their role as scientists in a community. In addition, the service learning component extended learning outside the normal confines of the classroom and time slots. This presentation also will highlight ways to incorporate service learning into other freshwater science courses, along with the challenges and benefits associated with service learning.
Web Page: education, service learning