Evaluation Strategies

When service is integrated into an academic course, course credit is given for customary academic learning and community learning. While points may be provided for successfully completing service hours or projects, grades should be based upon the extent to which a student meets course learning goals. It is also important to request and consider community partner feedback on the course. Some tips for evaluation in service-learning courses include:

1. Use reflection

Reflection assignments can be used to assess student learning and evaluate performance.

2. Create assignments linking service and course content

Individual or group assignments that require students to integrate their service experiences into an understanding of course content are important for S-L courses. You can evaluate student analytical skills, communication skills, critical thinking and judgement in their work.

3. Create rubrics

Grading rubrics can be useful for students and for you, in clarifying course and assignment expectations for linking service to academic content via reflection or another structured activity.

4. Get feedback

Encourage students to fill out the online service-learning assessment they will be delivered in MyLSU at the end of the term. Seek feedback from your community partner, too. See this page on CCELL’s website for a form you can use to request feedback.