What is a Service Learning Agency Agreement?
A service learning agreement is a written statement of the expectations for a service learning experience held by the student, the faculty member, and the agency supervisor.
What is the purpose?
Students and faculty who utilize community service placements as learning experiences need to articulate in writing what that learning experience is about. This ensures that the student understands what both the faculty member and the agency supervisor in the community expect of them. Faculty may find a written agreement helpful in ascertaining the clarity of the student’s learning objectives and the appropriateness of the placement for the desired learning.
When is a service learning agreement useful?
A service learning agreement is essential for an individual’s field experience which, like an independent research project, is designed by the student in consultation with a faculty sponsor. It is also useful for other community-based learning situations including volunteer experiences, cooperative education, work-study, and organized group internships. The agreement simply makes it easier for everyone involved – faculty, student and agency supervisor to have a common understanding of the roles and expectations of each person. Although the agreement is not a legal document, it enables all three parties to plan effectively for the service-learning experience.
How does the student benefit from it?
Students involved in service learning projects are often plagued absence of clear goals and the fear of a sudden change in the evaluation procedure. From the student’s perspective a written agreement:
- Helps him/her ask the right questions of the agency staff.
- Enables him/her to clarify own expectations to self and organization.
- Ensures that evaluation will be conducted according to prearranged objectives and procedures.
- Facilitates the efficient use of energies by the agency.
- Facilitates clear communication through common understanding and language.
- Provides data for letters of recommendations.
Why would an agency supervisor want this agreement?
- Provides clear expectations of student before making a commitment for placement.
- Provides information on the academic component and outlines project requirements.
|
