Hi Troy. It does sound like this will be an excellent opportunity for the students to learn how to use their new-found skills and, perhaps, even learn a core value in life of what it truly means to give back to one's community. Best of luck. Trent Bartholomew

Dear Deb, Thank you for mentioning that it is paramount to have the service-learning event tied directly to student's curriculum. Great post. Trent Bartholomew

Theodore, You accurately noted that there is a need to develop a connection in the students' minds so that they see the benefits of what they have learned in the classroom or lab put to practical use in their communities. Well done. Trent Bartholomew

Thank you, Theodore. Your menu idea is a good one since the students can take more ownership. We also have been and are still working on integrating the SL projects into our curricula. Trent Bartholomew

BRUCE, Great insight into the need to establish SL events which create a positive impact on the school's community. Trent Bartholomew

Dear Adel , Thanks for the insight on the benefit to students when they have to write about their experiences. We found that having students keep a journal on their SL experiencee helped them to see--and to remember--everything they learned from the events. All my best, Trent Bartholomew

Jackie, I am in total agreement with you. Thank you for pointing out the benefit of experiential learning, too. Trent Bartholomew

Hi Jose. Good observation. You bring up an important point in the area of online communities. It is a struggle for them to deliver service-learning events but not a complete obstacle. Our online colleagues will have to continue to be creative in the s-l events they plan so that the communities where the students live and work may also benefit from the services of its students. Trent Bartholomew

Dear Barbara, You have made an excellent point in that allowing our students to select their service-learning event will allow them to overcome certain misgivings. Of course, once they help at one event, we have found that our students want more! Wonderful. Trent Bartholomew

Hi Karen. Excellent observation, Karen. We found that the reflective journals were a tremendous benefit to our students and enabled them to see their growth by the time they graduated. Trent Bartholomew