Many students seem to learn more when they are actively studying an issue in a community rather than digging through the library for information.

Such students, faculty, staff and members of the Madison community can attend a free symposium: “Public Service Learning: Linking Academic Study with Service,” on Nov. 4 from noon to 5 p.m. at Union South.

“Service learning is a way students can work together, earning credits while learning and applying what they”ve learned in partnership with community organizations,” says Gene Summers, a rural sociology professor who helped plan the symposium.

Speakers from Stanford University and the University of Michigan will introduce the basics of service learning. The program also will present examples of service learning, such as the Tay-Sachs screening project initiated by UW-Madison medical genetics professor Raymond Kessel. There will be an hour-long open forum and discussion, followed by refreshments and a chance to meet informally with other participants.

People interested in this innovative educational approach do not need to register in advance. For more information about the symposium or for a copy of the program, contact Debi Breimayer at 263-2370 or Susan Vande Hei at 263-4009.

The symposium is cosponsored by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Community Scholars Program and the Morgridge Center for Public Service.