Students shared their service-learning projects with first-year education students at the Service-Learning Fair (SHIJING XU/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
While experiential learning has always been central to teacher education — in the form of teaching placements in elementary and secondary schools — University of Windsor teacher candidates have the unique opportunity to participate in service-learning programs to broaden their horizons, expand their skills and give back to the community. These opportunities span both local and international community and school engagements, supporting teacher candidates in becoming more culturally responsive and globally minded teachers.
On March 19, second-year teacher candidates from the Faculty of Education showcased their service-learning projects via poster presentations to their first-year colleagues, giving their pre-service peers a taste of how impactful service learning can be.
From recycling, composting and litter reduction to art-making and increasing students’ sense of belonging, the service-learning projects in Environmental & Sustainability Education highlighted how teacher candidates developed their environmental sustainability awareness and pedagogical skills in integrating societal needs into K-12 school curriculum.
Professors of the various service-learning courses were also on hand to answer any questions first-year students might have and to share the variety of opportunities available as part of the service-learning elective.
Options include Early Childhood Education, LEAD Program, Refugee and Immigrant Student Engagement, Urban Education, Teacher Education Reciprocal Learning Program (RLP) and Girls Organizing and Learning Sport, as well as courses centring marginalized learners, Indigenous Ways of Knowing and English language learners. Teacher candidates can choose a service-learning opportunity that speaks to their passions and interests.
For more information about service learning, please visit the Service Learning webpage and download the full brochure on the Faculty of Education website.