Breaking Boundaries: Innovative Ways to Integrate Service Learning Across Various Disciplines

SPEA Dangerous Minds Dangerous Policies Bridge and TLC 1 and 2

James Eckerty (FYS Instructor) TLC 1 Tim Scully (FYS Instructor) TLC 2

Crystal Garcia (Intro to CJ Instructor) TLC 1 and 2 Kate Thedwall (Public Speaking Instructor) TLC 1 and 2

Danielle Whitesel (SLA and FYS mentor) TLC 1

Digital Story Reflection

Lexi Shriver – previously took Comm-R110 in HS, but grew so much from this experience! She also received 2nd place in the Speech Night Competition this year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tyZV88rDIk&feature=youtu.be (Lexi)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0BqXXa6V40 (Britny)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3c3v_gJrkI (Tyler)

Overview Thinking outside the box about this project in 2013 (ideas from Kate and James) – brought the idea to IREF to see possibilities

50 first semester SPEA students, TLC faculty, and mentors collaborated with 10-25 IREF residents during 7 mandatory Toastmaster meetings throughout fall 2014

1 on-campus visit, 1 off-campus visit, 6 mandatory toastmaster visits on Wednesday evening, 1 additional (optional)

Integrated assignment throughout TLC, graded at the end by each disciplined class

Large amount of time and points for project in FYS

3 assessment tools were implemented throughout semester

Assessments Pre-Post qualitative and quantitative questionnaire (handout)

Qualitative reflections after each visit using the DEAL model (handout)

Digital Story reflection at the end of the semester (integrated assignment – framework of grading rubric in handout)

TLC final semester evaluations

First Year Seminar Both TLC sections had a different FYS (James or Tim)

Bulk of the reflective work and digital story assignment

Practice reflecting using the DEAL model (repeat, repeat, repeat)

Course that tied it all together

Digital Story – graded on learning assessed through personal growth and development

Mentor helped with group reflections and leading by example

Fundamentals of Speech Communication

• Both TLC sections had a different Comm-R110 (both with Kate)

• 5 speeches throughout the semester (standard)

• Adapted three speeches for the theme of IREF and our TLC

• Intro, Explain, and Persuasive

• Presented their speeches in class and at IREF

• Made sure each student was selected for a speech or table topic, so everyone could participate

• Digital Story – Learning assessed through self-analysis of public speaking skills and abilities (how did project relate to Comm-R110)

Introduction to Criminal Justice Both TLC sections were together for this class (Crystal)

Able to discuss some of the IREF experiences as a group and apply it to course content (real-life scenarios!)

Digital Story – Learning assessed through knowledge and critical thinking related to criminal justice system

Pre-Post Service Survey 47 out of 50 completed both surveys

76% never completed service before (Pre)

95% said they would complete service after this experience (Post)

1st impression of IREF and service (Pre): 62% Excited; Nervousness/Skepticism

Based on first impression has your views changed (Post): 100% changed Not all bad, they are human, working to change, now have an open mind and more aware about criminals and the criminal justice system

90% said project went “Above expectations” Found myself wanting to speak and better myself, positively influenced both groups involved, definitely helped in J101 and R110, learned so much academically and personally

Pre-Post Service Survey Gain from experience (Post):

Opened eyes to career field and criminal justice system Perceptions on prisoners have changed (Especially re-entry)

“Will not judge or stereotype prisoners anymore”

Able to now speak up for those who cannot – I want to go back Improved my public speaking skills tremendously Brought CJ material into real life examples and it made me want to learn more

Anything else (Post)? Changed my mindset of criminals, everyone in SPEA or that is taking J101 or R110 should be required to do this, I plan to still attend after fall 2013

TLC End of Semester Evaluations ALL HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE ON TLC SECTIONS!!!!

Understand connection between courses: 4.5 v 4.1

Develop understanding of complex real world social problems: 4.6 v 4.0

Apply material from one course in TLC to another: 4.6 v 4.1

Feel connected with IUPUI students 4.5 v 4.2

See myself as part of the IUPUI community 4.3 v 4.0

Actively discuss complex issues and ideas 3.6 v 3.0

As part of TLC did you complete an integrated assignment: 100% yes

TLC End of Semester Evaluations How TLC contributed to learning:

Open minded to criminal justice system and prisoners More comfortable opening up to new people and groups More confident with public speaking and giving constructive feedback Brought many skills together (integration) – made of better learning We applied concepts to real world situations like IREF IREF – they have inspired me

Describe what you liked most about the TLC experience: Created networks/resources/friends Having a support group and knowing resources IREF

Adapting idea to your group What courses/disciplines are in your current TLC? Is there a good theme?

If not, what courses would you like to pull into your ideal TLC?

Based on the ideal TLC, what types of partnerships/projects could unify these courses into one theme (thinking of the big picture). Also, is it reciprocal learning for both organizations?

From the above question, what additional resources or connections need to be there for it to become a reality?

Things to keep in mind:

Always think outside the box at “other” possibilities, it is okay to think big then narrow it down.

If a lot of time needs to be spent on this: make time in a TLC class, provide points equivalent to the amount of work with the project, and make this the main project for the TLC.

Find integrated work to allow for flow between courses/programs (don’t overload the students)

SPEA AT IREF!