Intergenerational Service-Learning

1. Definitions
   
   A. Service-Learning

   Service-Learning is defined by the Corporation for National and Community Service as a method whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in, and meets the needs of, communities. Service-Learning is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students. For more information on service-learning visit:

   http://www.learnandserve.gov/about/lsa/index.asp
   
   

   B. Intergenerational Programs

   Intergenerational programs involve the sharing of skills, knowledge, or experience between old and young and result in relationships that are mutually beneficial, highly interactive, and on-going.

2. Intergenerational Service-Learning at UDC, part of a national project.

   Intergenerational service-learning was implemented during the Fall Semester 2002 as a new format for an already-existing course at UDC. The course -- Working with Older People -- is the product of a collaborative effort between the University's Institute of Gerontology and the University's Social Work Program. The format for the already-existing course was campus-based. The new format is community-based. The community-based intergenerational service-learning format was developed as part of a national intergenerational service-learning project funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Learn & Serve Higher Education through a grant to The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education in Partnership with Generations Together at the University of Pittsburgh. The purpose of this national project is to sustain and expand a national model for institutionalizing intergenerational service-learning in gerontology.

   Unique features of UDC's service-learning course are the combination of distance learning with the service-learning format and the enrollment of staff from senior service agencies. Working with Older People is continuing to be offered in its service-learning format in subsequent semesters. Service-learning is planned as the format for additional Social Work courses and for courses in Health and Physical Education.

3. Course Syllabus

   See under heading.

Contacts:

Dr. Clavin Fields
Director, Institute of Gerontology
Building 52, 2nd Floor
4340 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-274-6697
cfields@udc.edu

Dr. Janet Burton
Director, Social Work Program
Building 41, Room 407
4200 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
jburton@udc.edu

Dr. D. Malcolm Leith
Project Coordinator for Intergenerational Service-Learning
Institute of Gerontology
Building 52, 2nd Floor
4340 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-274-6697
dmleith@msn.com