Application of Universal Curriculum Design to Service Learning Projects

Date: December 18, 2003Time: 3:00PM, Eastern Time Dial-in Number: 877-253-3092 Access Code: 488578

Guest Speaker: Andrew ChristensenSchool & Community ProjectsInstitute for Community Inclusion/UMASS Boston

Old-Style Teaching

One way to “plug in” to curriculum

Students needed to find a way to connect

The Modern Classroom

Each student is unique

How can all students plug into the same curriculum?

What would a class where all students could plug in look like?

Different outlets in different locations

Adapters easily available to all students

Different power sources

No one “right way”; all connections are valued

Service Learning Project Scenario A

Instructor: Professor Roger W. Smith

Class: Community Development (SW 410)

Project: Community Mapping—a Means for Social Action.

About the ProjectFocus : Unserved and underserved populations

within the Boston Greater Metropolitan Area.

Area of Interest: Identify shelters, food pantries and other support services for people who are homeless.

Product: Final report and series of detailed maps of findings to be distributed to local community and faith-based organizations.

Tasks Access Census Data

Inventory State, Local, Private agencies

Neighborhood Survey and Interviews

Documentation

Final Report and Community Resource Maps

Universal Design Applications Two-part lecture: Cultural and Disability Sensitivity Training

Videotapes and notes of lecture available at media library

Reserving time slots of several accessible computer workstations in University Computing Lab

Universal Design Applications Mandatory weekly team meetings; meeting minutes sent via email Equipment available for check-out such as tape recorders, digital cameras, flip charts, speakerphones, headset phones, and etc. Team members were subdivided to teams of two students (buddy system)

Service Learning Project Scenario B

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SOUTH FLORIDA WATERWAY CLEANUP

Waterway cleanup by students and community members

High School Service-learning Project

About the project:

Students and community members remove trash and debris along waterways surrounding their town.

This service project is done on a regular basis in order to protect the wildlife and make it more pleasant to swim, boat, or hike in the area.

TASKS

• Conducting a walkthrough of the waterway before each service day to develop a task list

• Coordinating/communicating with classmates and community members regarding the tasks that need to be accomplished

• Working with local vendors to secure donations of service tools such as rakes, shovels, eco-friendly bags and disposal services

• Clearing the brush and debris from the banks of the waterway – the banks often times are very steep and muddy

Universal Design Applications

• A small team of students share the responsibility of doing the site assessment prior to each service day

• An email distribution list was developed for all service participants to share ideas and communicate regarding the upcoming service day activities

• A team of students and community members developed a form letter to be used by all students via email, fax or mail to secure donations from vendors. The letter can also serve as a script for students who are meeting in person with vendors.

Universal Design Applications

• During the service day, students and community members are divided into teams based on interest and skill

• Teams rotate through projects to giving each participant the opportunity to try new things and develop additional skills

• When tools are donated, thought is given to design, height and grip pads so the tools are more easily used by a wide range of people with varying abilities