S5B From Classroom to Community: Engaging University Students in Service-Related Opportunities to Enhance Children's Academic Well-Being

Presenters

Dean Ravizza, Secondary & Physical Education
Alexander "Sandy" Pope IV, Secondary & Physical Education
Sarah Surak, Political Science
Brian Flores, Early & Elementary Childhood Education

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, leading to the near-total closures of schools. In the spring of 2020, all local schools were closed and students were placed into virtual learning environments. These environments were largely asynchronous in nature for many students due to the distribution of schoolwork on an online platform with no face-to-face option. The lack of devices and internet connectivity provided further complications for children and their families and exposed inequities in the learning process. A lack of access to services provided by the schools further complicated issues for children. Faculty members recognized these and other related challenges and sought ways to leverage university resources to address them. In this session, multiple faculty members will share their experiences of engaging their students in opportunities to provide children with extended learning opportunities in their communities. In doing so, faculty will also discuss the role of the university student and related programs in addressing current community challenges and the impact on student learning and civic engagement.

Session Recording