The concept of service learning is based on the principles of responsibility to our fellow man/woman
and learning through applied theory. Service learning is about meeting human needs while learning;
about integrating community service with study and reflection. The National Community Service Trust
Act of 1993 defines service learning as “a method under which students learn and develop through
active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet actual community needs,
that are integrated into the student’s academic curriculum and provide structured time for reflection,
and that enhance what is taught in school by extending student learning beyond the classroom and into
the community.” In service learning, there is an equal focus on service and on learning. According
to Kendall (1990), service learning:
Engages people in responsible and challenging actions for the common good
Is committed to program participation by and with diverse populations
Clarifies the responsibilities of each person and organization involved
Articulates clear service and learning goals
Includes training, supervision, monitoring, support, recognition and evaluation of students to meet
service and learning goals
Provides structured opportunities for people to reflect critically on their service experience
UNMC/UNO Master of Public Health Program in the CoPH
Service Learning/Capstone Experience
The Service Learning/Capstone Experience (SL/CE) is an essential part of the UNMC/UNO
MPH Program in the CoPH and is required of all students in the MPH degree program. It is designed to
provide students with first-hand, scholarly, supervised experience in a practice setting. In the course
of this community-based experience, students provide service that contributes to the health of the
population while learning and further developing public health competencies under the guidance of
established professionals. This experience augments the academic course work, providing students with
an opportunity to integrate and apply/test the knowledge, principles and skills acquired through his/her
classroom instruction.
In service learning, there is an equal focus on service and on learning. Activities, outcomes, and
scheduled hours are negotiated between the placement site, the student and the service learning capstone
course faculty member. Service learning is considered a threshold or capstone experience which not only
allows students to demonstrate basic public health competencies and further develop essential skills,
(e.g. collaborative team work, health education intervention skills, and management skills) but also
to integrate academic course work with actual public health practice under the supervision of established
public health practitioners. The SL/CE develops an environment of academic participation, collaboration,
and engagement among students, faculty, and the community. Students complete individual or group projects
at sites approved by the MPH Graduate Program Committee.
References
Kendall, Jane C. (1990.) "Combining Service and Learning: An Introduction." Combining Service and
Learning: A Resource Book for Community and Public Service, Volume 1 Raleigh, NC: National Society
for Experiential Education.
Contact the MPH Program for more information about the Service
Learning/Capstone Experience.
