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Development and Role of Service Learning at PLNU

Service learning is rapidly expanding at PLNU as an ideal way of combining academic content with practical experience and in addition connecting theory and practice in ways that force students to think more deeply about the actual meaning, in a real-world context, of what they are studying in their classes and textbooks.

Service learning began as a serious, organized endeavor at PLNU in 2004 and already threatens to outstrip the capacity of its facilitator to meet the growing demand from academic units. Service learning in its past, present and future manifestations is outlined below.

2004 – 2005
POL 190, Politics of Race, Class and Gender

    • Dr. Linda Beail 
    • 35 students visited St. Vincent de Paul’s, a large facility downtown housing a vast number of programs for the homeless in San Diego
    • The experience was used to enhance their studies on homeless issues in regard to race, class and gender
    • In-class discussion and written reflection were an integral part of the debriefing

CMI 150, Introduction to Ministry

    • Dr. Norm Shoemaker
    • 45 students provided a needed service to 5 different community ministry organizations
    • Dr. Shoemaker decided to make this a whole-day experience on a Sat. beginning with discussion over breakfast, working in the community for 6 hours and then reflecting and sharing about their experience that evening

Music Department

    • Dr. Juliette Singler
    • Contact was made with the Donovan Retirement Home for Dr. Singler’s vocalists to perform a concert.  Times did not work out for last semester but plans exist to perform this Fall.

Campus Compact Membership Established

    • Point Loma Nazarene University joined California Campus Compact
    • This membership will benefit our Service-Learning Program through networks, grants and many other valuable resources.

Member of Regional Network

    • The area directors for Service-Learning meet monthly to exchange ideas, share contacts and resources, and discuss new opportunities
    • The council takes turns housing meetings, training sessions, and workshops

Conference Presentation at the Eighth Annual 'Continuums of Service' Conference, April 11-13, 2005 in Portland, Oregon

    • Becky Modesto presented “Bridging between Campuses” with other Directors in the San Diego area.
    • Many valuable networks and contacts were established.

2005-2006
Grant awarded for $4000 - $5000

    • California Campus Compact
    • Goal: To provide training Fall of 2005 to faculty interested in incorporating service-Learning as part of their course requirements
    • A speaker, lunch and free resources are being researched and plans are being made

Theology 306, Life of Holiness & POL 190, Politics of Race, Class and Gender

    • Dr. Michael Lodahl & Dr. Linda Beail
    • 60 Students visit St. Vincent de Paul’s
      • Six different groups served breakfast, lunch and dinner in the facilities two kitchens; Sept. 7th and 9th.
      • Each group also received a one-hour tour of the large facility which houses multiple programs to help the homeless.

SOC 101, Introduction to Sociology

    • Professor Kevin Modesto
    • 50 Students are required to spend 12 hours in community service and write a reflection paper
    • Becky Modesto presented to the class a variety of options including the opportunity to participate in one of the 24 Student Ministries at Point Loma Nazarene University

ISF Service Learning Project

    • Dr. Phil Bowles
    • 54 students will complete two service-learning projects by Nov. 18th
    • Students may choose from three options, donating blood, donating time to an earth-keeping initiative or participate in a Student Ministry

Center for Pastoral Leadership

    • Dr. Norm Shoemaker has requested to partner with Service-Learning to create organized events to increase students’ involvement in meeting needs of our community to enhance their academic experience.

Eight New Student Ministries added this year

    • AIDS Outreach
    • Beacon of Light
    • Global Issues
    • Women’s Prison Ministry
    • Southeast Tutoring
    • Master’s Hands
    • Media Ministry
    • Ocean Beach Discovery Center

Student Ministries as Service-Learning (see Student Ministries)

    • Our 23 Student-led Ministries are a rich resource for Service-Learning
    • Each off- campus ministry is connected with an established organization providing a reliable experience for faculty to send their students

LIN 312, Introduction to Linguistics – Fall 2006

    • Dr. Phil Bowles
    • Students will volunteer in agencies that serve people of first-language backgrounds other than English.
    • Goals: to increase understanding of the nature of language and study the acquisition processes of a first language and of a non-native language.

LIT 459, Methods of Teaching English – Spring 2007

    • Dr. Phil Bowles
    • Students will be exposed to inner-city experiences with people who struggle linguistically, economically, and/or medically
    • Goal: to better prepare teachers who begin their careers in challenging urban districts among students with needy families

Future Years

    • Kay Wilder
    • Jamie Gates
    • Jacque Mitchell