Service Learning In Environmental Studies.

Integrating service learning into the objectives of environmental studies courses pose unique challenges, ranging from developing relevant projects, fostering relationships with community partners and motivating students. An environmental regulation course and a senior capstone course at St. Cloud State University exhibit two approaches to service learning. To accommodate to 40+ enrolled students (mostly sophomores and juniors), projects within the regulation course require a higher degree of preparation between the community partner and the instructor. Project objectives and deliverables are often set for the students. With slightly lower enrollment and a higher competence level of the students in the senior capstone course, the projects are often co-created/co-designed with community partner, the students and the instructor early in the semester.