Service-Learning

The PTA Program incorporates service learning throughout the curriculum for all enrolled students. Service learning is a teaching and learning method which combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service-learning projects involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community.

Students may collaborate with the instructor on a service-learning project or participate in on-going projects. Check it out!
 

Muskie Center Clients Visit PTA Students
Nancy Chandler PT, MPH

Fifteen clients from the Muskie Center recently visited the PTA students at Kennebec Valley Community College in November 2004. These clients participate in the “Get Moving Project”, a collaborative service-learning project between Senior Spectrum and the PTA program. Started in 2001 with the support of a grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King foundation, the PTA students have the opportunity to act upon what they know and serve the community at the same time.

Senior Spectrum, a community agency in the central Maine area, provides day programs for adults with mental as well as physical challenges. On a weekly basis, the PTA students use their knowledge and skills to assist the clients with various individual or group activities. The PTA students invited the clients to tour the PTA lab, participate in some fun activities, and meet the next group of students to join them at the center. A great time was had by all!

Service-learning is a method to link learning objectives with community service. Nancy Chandler, PTA program director, states, “Students perform a valuable, significant, and necessary service which has real consequences to the community. Additionally service-learning fosters the development of empathy, social responsibility, and self confidence – all necessary factors for a successful career in the health care field. Service reinforces the learning, and the learning reinforces and strengthens the service.”

Rita Pirrotta, administrator at Senior Spectrum, is excited about the project. “We feel this has been a very positive experience for both the students of the PTA program as well as our day program participants,” she says. “In return, we welcome the students’ fresh new ideas. Our participants are thrilled to interact with the students.”

A student reflects; “This service learning project was a wonderful experience. I was readily able to apply my learning at school in my interactions with the participants. It challenged me to assume a leadership role which is not my style. This was a personal growth experience for me, and I was sad to see it end.”

The Get Moving Project is continuing this semester with excited first year PTA students under the coordination of Linda Hepfner PT, ACCE and PTA instructor.