Research
May 11, 2011
Oxford expands reach of innovative service-learning program
TPSL enhance education by offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of subject matter by applying the theory of the classroom in the laboratory of real-world experiences.
By Cathy Wooten
A grant from Emory's Office of University-Community Partnerships is bolstering Oxford's already robust theory/practice-service learning program (TPSL), benefiting Oxford students and the greater Newton County community.
The first initiative for the grant will increase the number of TPSL-trained faculty and community partners.
OUCP funding will also support TPSL course expansion, innovation in offerings and faculty oversight for the program. Other planned initiatives include a formalized assessment of needs in the local community and opportunities for research in service learning by Oxford students.
"Receiving this grant is an exciting development for TPSL at Oxford,” says Patti Owen-Smith, professor of psychology and women's studies. “The resources provided by OUCP will allow us to implement ideas that will deepen the TPSL experience and make service learning more widely known."
Owen-Smith has directed the TPSL program since its inception and coordinates the academic requirements of the courses. Crystal McLaughlin, Oxford's director of student development, serves as liaison to community agencies and coordinates student training and placement.
TPSL was introduced at Oxford College in 1996. The goal of including TPSL courses in the Oxford curriculum was to enhance education by offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of subject matter by applying the theory of the classroom in the laboratory of real-world experiences.
Fifteen years later, TPSL is an integral part of the Oxford academic program, jointly administered by the departments of Academic Affairs and Campus Life. From this innovative collaboration, Oxford is able to offer an average of 21 courses per year, partnering with more than 25 agencies and organizations in the Newton County/Covington community. Approximately one-third of Oxford's students take at least one TPSL course during their Oxford tenure, and approximately one-third of the faculty teach at least one TPSL course.
Despite such success, Owen-Smith and McLaughlin have a vision for pushing the TPSL boundaries to further increase its scope and influence.
