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Public Service:
Building a Foundation through Service Learning
Community Based Learning Program Philosophy
Learning through Service: The Level I fieldwork component of the Group Theory and Community Based Practice coursework provides group leadership opportunities as well as a valued service to community agencies as part of Tufts University's mission to promote Community Based Learning (CBL), public service, and active citizenship. Groups are led based on a functional approach to group work in occupational therapy (Howe & Schwartzberg, 2001) in settings such as: daycare centers; Boys and Girls Clubs; homeless shelters; Neighborhood Houses; Senior Centers, and adult day programs.
"The BSOT students add a real richness to our facility. They have come up with project ideas that are still being used in our program. The experience offers a great opportunity for mutual learning."
--Jane Pothier, Hale House, Boston, MA
Learning in a real world context allows BSOT students to:
- Develop meaningful helping relationships
- Learn about the population they are serving
- Experience the power of group process and dynamics
- Add to their knowledge of community systems and service
- Challenge their creativity and try out new ideas
- Explore and expand their marketability
- Apply what they are learning to real-life, practical situations.
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