What is Service Learning? Why include Service Learning?
What Is Service Learning?
"Service-Learning [S-L] is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities."*
For instructors, the key to designing successful student learning experiences lies in integrating what students learning in your course with what students do in the S-L project.
Universities typically offer three types of community experiences. Volunteering primarily benefits the community organization. Internships primarily benefit the student. Service Learning benefits both.
Why do Service Learning?
S-L can be a very good way for students to apply what they have learned. If your learning goals include problem-solving, civic engagement, or professional attitudes and behaviors, S-L might be a good pedagogy for you.
For students, service learning can be life-changing.
*National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, http://www.servicelearning.org/what-is-service-learning