Questions from students, answered by students...
Q: What is community service-learning (CSL)?A: Community service-learning (CSL) is a method of learning that allows students to learn and embrace real-world organizational requirements in an academic environment. Instructors provide a basis of knowledge and serve as liaison between the students and community organizations which require the student's service. Much of the learning process and benefits are based on reflection and engagement.
Q: Why should I get involved with CSL?A: Because on top of receiving real world and academic knowledge/skills, you also receive the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to a good cause through community service at the same time.
Q: How do I get involved with CSL?A: This depends on your faculty. The administrators of your faculty, department, or program may be able to point you in the right direction.
Q: Is it true that the workload in a CSL-based course is heavier than a regular course?A: In comparison to regular academic classes, the answer is yes. However, it is important to keep in mind that the workload for a CSL-based course is geared towards a different purpose. So rather than writing traditional research papers, you may be creating a website (such as this) for a worthwhile cause. Rather than sitting down to a final exam, you may be giving a presentation or synthesizing the projects you have created throughout the entire semester.
Q: What do I get out of a CSL course?A: This really depends on the person, but based on our own experience and the experiences of most former CSL students we've talked to, networking and resume building are the most prominent benefits.
Q: What U of C courses have integrated CSL?A: Refer to Courses and Activities page for a list of some courses that have offered CSL as part of the course work.
Q: Who is CSL meant for?A: Anyone (students, instructors, or those part of the greater community) who wants to make a difference, get involved, and acquire lifelong skills.
Q: What type of projects exist in a CSL course?A: This depends on the instructor and community partner but it can involve anything from projects on the theme of social sustainability to website development.
Q: What happens to the work I produce in a CSL course?A: Instead of collecting dust on a shelf or going through the recycling depot, the work you create can serve as learning material for the next generation of CSL students (with your permission, of course).
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