German Service Learning
In languages, practice makes perfect. In German we say: "Übung
macht den Meister." The more you practice your speaking and
listening skills, the better you will get. It is also true that we
learn best by doing. That is why we have adopted a "Service
Learning Component" in our German 305 Oral Communications course.
This course gives students the opportunity to work outside the
classroom in a variety of service learning opportunities. Students
actively take part in and help with these activities,
report back to the class about their experience (in German), and
write short summaries. By getting active in the community, students
use their German to communicate in real situations and really get
to know the German community in Indianapolis. Students learn by
helping, and help while learning all the while developing and
practicing skills in German and in good citizenry.