KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Students from WMU's African-American Males First-Year Experience seminar celebrated their service-learning partnership with the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home Dec. 6.
The celebration included final reflections and presentations of the students' service-learning projects. The class made weekly trips to the juvenile home throughout the semester and worked closely with the teens to develop an interactive simulation that facilitates positive behaviors and encourages critical thinking.
Walter T. Malone
Instructor Walter T. Malone, Alpha Program manager in WMU's Center for Academic Success Programs, emphasizes that completing the simulation required not only deep engagement and relationship building among all participants, but also careful reflection on the importance of leadership and civic responsibility.
"The students are coming into their own adulthood and adjusting to life within the University, but at the same time, they're building relationships, mentoring and encouraging others to follow a similar path," Malone says. "There are a lot of shared experiences among the students, and it's vital that everyone learns from each other and gains a better understanding of what is possible through education."
Service learning at WMU
Service learning is a mutually beneficial endeavor in which course-learning objectives are met by addressing community-identified needs. Projects require a minimum of 15 hours of service work outside of the classroom, and provide students with opportunities to be a part of the solution to challenges identified by WMU's community partners.
Service learning always includes critical reflection of the experience and empowers community members, students and faculty to create change. In part because of this approach, the University has consistently garnered awards and accolades for its commitment to service learning.
WMU has received recognition from the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll every year since 2006, with distinction in 2012. Additionally, many students, faculty, staff and community partnerships have been recognized by Campus Compact, a national coalition of nearly 1,100 colleges and universities dedicated to community engagement in higher education.
About First-Year Experience
WMU's First-Year Experience Seminar is designed to help first-year and transfer students develop a sense of responsibility for their own education and learning. Seminars introduce students to University resources and provide support during the first and second semester of transition to the University. Taught in a small-group setting, students interact with a faculty or staff member and a student leader, either once or twice a week.
The FYE 2100 Seminar includes weekly class meetings, the sharing of a common reading and research experience, project-based assignments, written assignments, service learning and attendance at selected University events. The importance of writing skills, critical-thinking skills, communication skills and study skills is emphasized, as well as the exploration of academic major and career opportunities.
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