Universities have invested in
service-learning in increasing amounts over the past twenty years through
teaching and learning, service, and scholarship. Administrative leadership and faculty are discovering that
service-learning is an important part of the life of a university and of the
region the university serves.
Service-learning is a teaching method which
combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses
on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. From the assignment of a project that addresses community
needs, students learn from community members and develop leadership
skills while practicing theoretical knowledge gained in class.
As
a form of experiential education, service-learning shares
similarities with internships, field education, practica, and
voluntary service. Service-learning is unique because its philosophical foundation is
reciprocity through equal
partnerships and equal
benefits for the university, faculty and students providing the
service and for the recipients of the service.
The opportunity for organizations to expand their reach without
substantially increasing costs through new partnerships and
resources.
Service-learning students bring new energy, ideas, and
enthusiasm as well as specialized skills.
Increased public support and visibility in the community as
students become ambassadors for the organization in their
networks.
A new generation of
caring and experienced citizens, activists, and volunteers is
cultivated.
Service-learning
enhances the educational experience for students by challenging
them to connect what they learn with real community issues.
This leads to better academic performance, stronger
relationships with peers and faculty, and increased
participation in campus life.
Civic engagement helps historically underserved students become
part of campus life.
Students value service-learning because it gives them real-world experience, builds networks and contacts, and increases their feeling of personal success.
Service-learning is a transformative teaching methodology that
prompts students to apply their knowledge, talents and insights
in a meaningful way.
Faculty teach service-learning courses because it promotes
engaged learning, develops critical thinking skills, extends
diversity, encourages responsibility to community, and
facilitates career exploration.
Service-learning is an important way that
universities contribute to the vitality and life of cities.
Service-learning is taught extensively at the
K-12 level and many students come to college with
community-based learning experiences.
Service-learning increases student persistence
to graduation and improves retention rates.
As alums, service-learning students donate, attend events and recruit students.