SW 3312: HBSE - Lifespan
Since the fall of 2006, students enrolled in SW 3312 have completed a service learning experience with a local hospice agency.
What is service learning?
Texas Tech University defines service learning as a "pedagogy that links academic study and civic engagement through thoughtfully organized service that meets the needs of the community. This service is structured by and integrated into the academic curriculum, which provides opportunities for students to learn and develop through critical reflection" (www.tltc.ttu.edu/servicelearning).
What about service learning in this course?
The course links patients from a local hospice agency with students, who then spend a semester interviewing patients about their life history and making connections between course materials and their service experience. The groups of 2 or 3 students meet with their matched patient approximately once a week. At the end of the semester, the student groups create a product that celebrates the life of the patient and is generally intended to be a memento for the family.
Life History Products
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Product
Session
At the end of the semester, guests have an opportunity to view the created products and talk with students about their patients and the service learning experience. |
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Fall '10
Beth, Charlotte & Shannon created a quilt with pictures and other life history information. |
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Spring '10
Joshua, Jacy, & Amanda, pictured here with the daughter of patient, produced a clock (their patient collected clocks) decorated with pictures and other memorabilia. |
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Fall '09
Kristin & Ashley created a photo collage. The picture seen here, a military plane flown by the patient, is composed of hundreds of small pictures from his life. |
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Spring '09
Hailea & Esther, pictured here with their patient's spouse, created a photobook that featured photos and interesting facts.
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Fall '08
Jennifer & Brady created a cookbook that highlighted favorite recipes while including pictures and mementos as well. |
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Spring '08
Krista & Mike created a DVD product for their patient which included pictures, facts, and music. |
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Fall '07
Jennifer, Sarah & Sarah created a handmade quilt for their patient that included her marriage certificate and a pocket from her husband's robe. |
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Spring '07
Daiza & Shay created a scrapbook for their patient that highlighted his immigration story and his family. |
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Fall '06
Krystal & Kim created a shadowbox for their patient that celebrated his accomplishments in his career. |
They've done an amazing job!