Environmental Studies Service-Learning Institute

Posted by on May 9, 2003

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SERVICE-LEARNING INSTITUTE

June 4 – 5, 2003
Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont
Sponsored by Vermont Campus Compact
In partnership with The Vermont Campus Greening Conference

Service-Learning In Environmental Studies
Service-Learning is an extremely effective tool for teaching in the field of environmental studies and for developing skills in students, while benefiting the community. It offers faculty and students the opportunity to study, engage in, and work toward addressing real environmental and societal problems.

Many faculty find that combining learning objectives, service experiences and reflection significantly enhances student learning. Not only do students gain a better understanding of course material and social issues, but they also have the opportunity to get to know their communities, explore questions of ethics and citizenship and gain an appreciation of their ability to participate in community problem-solving.

About the Institute:
This institute will provide participants with information and resources for incorporating community-based service into the environmental studies curriculum, as a way to provide experientially-based learning, enhance academic outcomes and develop citizenship skills while meeting community needs.

When: Wednesday, June 4, 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
Thursday, June 5, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Kirk Alumni Center
Middlebury College
Why:
? Participate in a growing network of environmental studies faculty using service-learning pedagogy
? Understand the benefits of service-learning to students, campuses and communities
? Share ideas and best practices related to environmental studies curriculum
? Explore methods and strategies for creating meaningful partnerships and service projects
? Learn methods of assessment and reflection
? Develop strategies for preparing students for service-learning

Featured facilitators and presenters include:
? Edward Zlotkowski, Founding Director of the Service-Learning Project at Bentley College, Series Editor for American Association For Higher Education’s Series on Service-Learning in the Disciplines, and Senior Fellow at Campus Compact
? Nan Jenks-Jay, Director of Environmental Affairs and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Studies, Middlebury College
? Faculty contributors to the American Association for Higher Education’s monograph, Acting Locally: Concepts and Models for Service-Learning in Environmental Studies
? Prominent environmental studies faculty members from Northern New England
Institute content features:
? Faculty Panel on Examples of Service-Learning in Environmental Studies
? Case Studies
? Framing service-learning within environmental studies
? Preparing students for service-learning work
? Methods of collaboration
? Working with stakeholders
? Methods of assessment and reflection
? Small group work within the disciplines
? Curriculum coaching opportunities
? Networking with Northern New England Environmental Studies Faculty

Registration deadline is Monday, May 19, 2003. Vermont Campus Compact Member $75, Non-member $125.

To download a copy of the conference brochure, visit http://www.vtcampuscompact.org

For additional information, contact Cheryl Whitney Lower, Program Coordinator, Vermont Campus Compact at (802) 443-2507 or clower@middlebury.edu