Service-learning experts to speak at Duke Nov. 2

Two service-learning experts will speak about the academic and civic benefits such programs can provide to undergraduate students, from 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art.

The event is free and open to the public. To reserve a seat, RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 28, to servicelearning@duke.edu.

One of the experts speaking will be Andrew Furco, an associate vice president for public engagement at the University of Minnesota whose research focuses on experiential learning, civic engagement, and service-learning.

The other speaker is Elson Nash, acting director of Learn and Serve America, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service that enables more than 1 million U.S. students, kindergarten through college, to make meaningful contributions to their community.

Public events on Nov. 2 also include a panel discussion on service-learning and teacher education from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parlor of the East Duke Building on East Campus.

Service-learning integrates community service and academic study. By applying their classroom knowledge in real-world situations, students can enrich their learning, develop a sense of responsibility to their communities, and build personal and social skills.

Duke President Richard H. Brodhead has made "knowledge in the service of society" a priority for the university. The recent selection of Duke's Program in Education as the administrative home for the International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education is expected to further enhance such opportunities for Duke students and faculty.

The International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education provides a global forum for exchange among teacher educators and their community partners. The center also facilitates collaborative projects, research dissemination, and professional development focused on civic engagement and service-learning.

"Conversations about teaching and service that reach international participants and audiences will foster new and exciting partnerships," said Jan Riggsbee, director of Duke's Program in Education, which oversees the Service-Learning Program at Duke and the International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education "We are thrilled that the Program in Education is the new home for the center and feel that it connects us with colleagues across the globe who share our energy and passion for teaching, learning and service.".

Duke will host a meeting of the center's board of directors the first week in November.