Models

While different language and models of S-L may be used at each university and within K-12 settings or programs, courses at NU apply S-L in one of the following ways:

Direct Service-Learning
Students will serve directly on-site each week of the semester, either working with clients or alongside staff for approximately 2-5 hours/week with a community-based organization.  Student experiences and courses range from introductory to advanced levels.

NU Examples:  

• Education in the Community and Inclusion, Equity & Diversity with Polly Attwood
• Psychosocial Aspects of Healthcare Seminar with Ann Golub-Victor
• Human Services Professions with Lori Gardinier
• Interpersonal Communication with Elise Dallimore

Project-Based Service-Learning or Community-Based Research (CBR)
Students (in teams) serve with the community partner much as "consultants" working for a "client" to understand and address a particular community issue or need, or answer specific research questions (generated by the community partner).  Students in these courses often conduct their work on the project off-site using their University resources. Typically these students are in more advanced courses within their discipline and have knowledge that they can draw upon to conduct research, make recommendations or develop solutions to the challenges identified by the community partner.  The final product of their service is often used by the community partner to more effectively advocate for themselves, apply for new funding, and/or broaden their knowledge of an issue in their field. 

NU Examples:

• Consultations Skills with Elise Dallimore
• Strategic Philanthropy & Nonprofit Management with Rebecca Riccio
• Advocacy Workshop with Greg Goodale
• Advanced Writing in the Business Administration Professions with Tanya Zhelezcheva

Hybrid Models
In some cases, students may take on a hybrid role with a community partner requiring them to engage in direct service with clients before or simultaneously while the students invest in working on the specific project/ research. This model is facilitated on a case by case basis.

NU Examples:

• Inquiries in Cell and Molecular Biology with Gail Begley
• Politics of Poverty with Gia Barboza
• Advanced Spanish 1 & 2 with Marcial Flores and Maria Brucato
• Advanced Chinese 1 & 2 with Hua Dong and Qinghong Cai
• Intercultural Studies through Human Services with Lori Gardinier

Adapted from Heffernan, Kerrissa. (2001). Fundamentals of Service-Learning Course Construction. RI: Campus Compact.