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Service-Learning
What it is...
- a pedagogy
- enhances students understanding of the course learning goals
- a form of experiential education
- meets community-identified needs
- allows students to apply what they are learning in class in the community and learn while they are serving
- focuses equally on learning and service
- reciprocal because it benefits both the student and the service recipient
- helps build partnerships between colleges and community-based organizations
What it isn't...
- internships, clinical's, or field studies which focus on learning rather than service
- volunteerism which focuses on service and the service recipient but not on students and learning
- free or convenient labor
- work for pay
- an "add-on"
- a stand-alone, one-time project that does not relate to the course learning goals
What is Service-Learning?
Student Benefits of Service-Learning
- Learn from a hands-on experience
- Gain personal and interpersonal skills
- Develop social problem solving skills
- Learn civic innovation and responsibility
- Form relationships with potential employers, receive recommendations for jobs, and gain experience that will add to a resume or portfolio
- Learn in a different atmosphere (not just from texts or classroom lectures)
- Become more actively involved in the community
- Sharpen critical thinking skills through engagement with social issues
Student Service-Learning Materials
Goals of Service-Learning
- Enhance academic learning
- Develop character and citizenship skills
- Learn about social issues impacting the local community
- Deepen critical thinking and communication skills
- Engage in meaningful service that has a mutually beneficial impact