Theory-Practice/Service Learning

What Is Theory-Practice/Service Learning?

Theory-Practice/Service Learning (TPSL) courses were first introduced to Oxford College in 1996 as a way of integrating the theory of the classroom with actual experience in the local community. Students in TPSL courses are actively practicing what they are learning in the classroom and forging a service partnership with Newton County.

In these roles students are serving as tutors, mentors, counselors and advocates for children and adults at community agencies, schools and technical colleges, literacy programs, and residential centers.

A TPSL course can deepen one's understanding of the subject studied and develop and ability to reflect on, "practice," and apply to a real life situation what is taught in the classroom.

"Thirty years from now, I may not remember all the theories regarding gerontology, but I will never forget my weekly visits at Riverside. I found my TPSL experience so rewarding that I continued to go back there on a regular basis after my class ended."

Marissa Kahn, Oxford '06 

"Service-learning is now a major national movement at every educational level, and is a particularly powerful force in undergraduate education. Connecting academic study with community service through structured reflection is widely recognized as contributing to learning that is deeper, longer-lasting, and more portable to new situations and circumstances."

Tom Ehrlich
Senior Scholar, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

For a list of Courses click TPSL Courses Offered . 

Questions? Contact the course instructor or the TPSL Coordinators: Dr. Patti Owen-Smith (owen-smith@learnlink.emory.edu) and Ms. Crystal McLaughlin (cmclaug@learnlink.emory.edu).