The Service Learning Experience

In the spring 2009, four Austin Community College students were awarded the STEM in Action scholarship. These students were committed to pursuing one of the STEM related areas, had a passion for the teaching profession, and were dedicated to improving the student achievement in the related areas. The STEM scholars were committed to completing 40 hours of service learning in the public schools, meeting with a university mentor, and attending enrichment seminars that were designed to increase their understanding of the community services and complexity of the public education system.

Service learning is an integral component of STEM in Action CI. Service learning provides students an opportunity to connect the issues and theories in class to real-life situations. Under the Tutors with Vision program, the STEM scholars interned at Crockett High School where they assisted students with the TAKS math and science. Abel Villarreal served as the mentor teacher who guided the students through the issues and instructional practices vital to teaching success. Throughout the semester, Abel and the STEM scholars were interviewed. The following videos document the insights they gained from the experience.

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