Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the most comprehensive collection of on-line service-learning training resources available through California State University, Fresno.  The service-learning practitioners who developed these training modules have a collective 40+ years experience with service-learning.  It is our hope that these modules will provide you with information that ranges from a basic overview of service-learning, to an in-depth presentation of the highest quality service-learning components.

The seven modules included on this website are:

Module One:  Is Service-Learning for you?   Provides a basic overview of service-learning, including how it is defined, what it is, and what it is not.

Module Two:  How do we know service-learning works? An incredible amount of research supports the effectiveness of service-learning as a teaching, learning and service tool.  This module will provide a glimpse into this body of research.

Module Three:  How do I get started?  Where do you start in developing a service-learning class.  It all begins with preparing appropriate service AND learning goals for your class, and this module will help.

Module Four:  What’s are the keys to establishing high quality partnerships? Effective community partnerships are essential to service-learning.  This module will provide insights into how to initiate and foster the highest quality community connections.

Module Five:  How do I evaluate and assess student learning? As with any good teaching tool, the proof is in the outcomes.  This module will guide you through a number of ways that help you assess the learning and student development that results from service-learning.  This section will also discuss the critical component of “reflection” which is essential to service-learning.

Module Six:  What campus policies and procedures I should be aware of? Information on sample forms, policies and procedures important in service-learning at Fresno State can be found here.

Module Seven:  How does this impact my professional growth? For the faculty member, service-learning presents numerous opportunities for scholarly publications, presentations, and can be used to positively impact your retention, tenure and promotion.

These modules are provided as a starting point for anyone new to service-learning, or for a veteran service-learning practitioner who is looking to polish their service-learning expertise.  As extensive as the information here is, these modules are only one source of support.  We encourage anyone interested in service-learning to contact the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning with any questions or needs related to working with the community.  We are here to help!

Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning
California State University, Fresno
Office: Thomas Administration Building Room 107
(559) 278-7079