Project Title:
Learning through Serving: A Collaborative Partnership
Project Director and Other Associated Faculty and Staff:
Anna Verhoye, Communication Faculty, Dakota County Technical College, Contact: verhoyes@comcast.net, Tel: (651)307-6333
Sue Allen, Communication Faculty, Hennepin Technical College, Contact: susan.allen@htc.mnscu.edu, Tel.: (763)488-2403
Project Design:
Building on a pilot service-learning course titled Communication 2020: Learning through Service offered in 2003 and involving Dakota County Technical College and the community of San Lucas Toliman in Guatemala, this project was designed to expand this service-learning partnership. The activities would include (1) developing and integrating new service-learning courses at DCTC and collaborating with other MnSCU institutions, (2) developing the learning and serving audience at San Lucas Toliman, (3) creating a online intercultural course, (4) establishing serving teams, (5) creating a website describing the partnership.
Project Evaluation and Outcomes:
The newly formed Board of Directors for the partnership involves 7 Guatemalans and 5 Americans which includes representatives from 3 MnSCU institutions (Dakota County TC, Hennepin TC and So. Central TC). During the 2004-05 academic year, the project created 4 courses with a Guatemalan service learning component: Intercultural Communication, Small Group Communication, Electricity, and Computers. Active learning pedagogy was used in courses when they were taught in Guatemala. In addition, two Guatemalans visited Dakota County Technical college and participated in courses and provided lectures at various speaking engagements. Twelve faculty from the participating MnSCU institutions were trained regarding integrating service learning into their courses. Outcomes of student learning were assessed using surveys, journaling, exams, presentations, etc. and they indicated that exchange of education and ideas was useful. In 2004, the participating students made a presentation to 223 community members where they shared their insights and in 2005 students made a presentation at Hennepin Technical College which revealed a heightened awareness among the students of poverty and social justice issues. In addition, the Board of Directors has participated in a dialog about the program and they reinforced the conclusion that positive results have been obtained for American and Guatemalan participants.
Lessons Learned, Dissemination and Sustainability
Service learning courses were created in conjunction with the Guatemala partnership. Post-travel interviews with students expressed desire that participating institutions should be housed together and hold separate class meetings in order to maintain the integrity of the classes. Also, problems arose in the creation of an online course involving MnSCU faculty and Guatemalans because they were not able to pay the non-U.S. citizens for their time and Guatemalan students could not afford MnSCU tuition. Currently, project director is seeking approval for a proposal whereby Guatemalan students will pay in-state tuition. However, an Intercultural Communication on-line course was developed at Dakota TC involving one of the Guatemala Board members as a guest lecturer. Also a website is being developed and expected to be ready by August, 2005. Problems arose with managing and updating the site but progress is being made toward development of an eFolio site. Dissemination has been achieved through presentations at CTL conference on Realizing Student Potential in March, 2005, campus presentations and workshops (at Dakota County TC, South Central TC), digital business cards and promotional/educational videos are being developed to be shared with campuses and local non-profit organizations. An article on the Guatemala partnership appeared in STARTRIBUNE newspaper in fall, 2004. In the future, new Guatemala service-learning courses are being developed at the participating MnSCU institutions and fund raising and grant writing efforts are being made to support the partnership. Supplies for the program will continue to be donated through individual contributions.
