SERVICE LEARNING WITHIN THE FRESHMAN YEAR EXPERIENCE.

The intent of this paper is to describe the development of a freshman year course within a learning community and with a service learning component. Furthermore, it attempts to understand how participation in such a course may influence students' learning experiences and perceptions about community service. The study consisted of a pre- and post- questionnaire that was administered to 25 freshmen enrolled in the course. Results indicate that that a freshman year course within a learning community and with a service learning component can be an important aspect of students' academic, and social adjustment while it fosters community engagement at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]