Nadinne Cruz, Pioneer in Service-learning, to Give Keynote at CLT Faculty Summer Institute

April 09, 2015

Nadinne Cruz

Nadinne Cruz, a longtime advocate and practitioner of service-learning at several institutions of higher education, will deliver the keynote address and a follow-up workshop at the Old Dominion University Center for Learning and Teaching's Faculty Summer Institute on Teaching and Learning.

The 17th annual event, entitled "Make a Difference with Service-Learning" will be held May 19-20 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. Faculty and community partners who participate in the institute will have the opportunity to reflect on ways that all educators can learn, teach, inspire and connect - with each other and the community at large.

Cruz has served as executive director of the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs, where she developed international and local community-based learning programs. At Stanford University, she served as director of the Haas Center for Public Service. She has also taught at Swarthmore College and at Carleton College.

She is co-author of "Service-Learning: A Movement's Pioneers Reflect on its Origins, Practice, and Future," and works as an independent consultant with colleges and universities across the United States.

Service-learning empowers students by offering practical, hands-on use of their classroom learning. It improves the university by making it a stronger community partner. And it strengthens the community by tackling difficult problems with the enthusiasm of new volunteers.

As students apply classroom learning through service-learning projects, they explore social responsibility, justice, diversity and/or leadership. This practical exposure to some of the challenges faced in attempting to resolve community-based problems generally results in personal growth, improved social and communication skills and a clearer view of society beyond the classroom. Students involved in service-learning as part of their curricula report improved critical thinking skills that set them apart from peers when entering the job market.

Faculty and adjuncts are encouraged to participate in the Faculty Summer Institute on Teaching and Learning. Learn more about the 2015 institute here, and then register to participate (ODU login required) in these two days of reflection, sharing and teaching tips presented by peers.

For more information, please contact CLT at clt@odu.edu or at 683-3172.