Tag: Self Determination Theory

In the prior blog, we discussed the philosophy of LEAP—the belief that education should be interactive, experiential, and multi-disciplinary.  Done correctly, this also makes for good—or at least effective—citizens.  But what does LEAP do to put that philosophy into action?

The LEAP Center offers a broad set of programs and services, including:

• Teaching / Advising
• Campus Programs
• Internships
• Public Figure Speaker Series
• Community Programs
• Volunteerism

As noted in our blog on “The Philosophy of the LEAP Center,” we take a holistic approach to learning, and we incorporate interactive and experiential learning into all of the programs we offer. Students who are open to those approaches will get more from the LEAP Center, and they will receive a more well-rounded and civic-oriented education.

We rely heavily on other practices, as well.  Consistent with the Self-Development Theory, we stress the inherent value of education rather than providing external rewards for participation—rewards that, in the long run, discourage engagement. Instead, we help students form long-term relationships with the community which, in turn, provides intrinsic rewards for participation.

To that end, we follow general practices for every event:

• Look professional and be on time;
• Be prepared, get the most out of the experience, and reflect;
  • Reflecting often means writing a blog or a portion of a blog over the event/activity, meaning that LEAP also serves as a community news source;
• Know the context of each activity or event;
  • Knowing the context allows the participant to know they “why” and not just the “what.”  When we assist, for example, the Lions Club by putting out flags on holidays, we want the students to know what the Lions Club’s mission is, what they do, who their members are, and how this activity contributes to the Lions’ Mission (and our Mission).

Collectively, the LEAP Center facilitates some 2,500 students’ participation in approximately 150 events/activities per year.  Some students, of course, are more involved than others.  Among the most consistent and most professional of these participants are the LEAP Ambassadors, who take leadership roles in planning the Center’s events.  They become, in a sense, a “team of teams”, providing crucial support to the Center’s two staff members.

Without these Ambassadors, the Center would not be able to provide as many diverse academic and community based activities—the topic for our next blog!