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What is Service-Learning? |
What is Service-Learning?
Service-learning combines service to the community with student learning in a
way that improves both the student and the community. According to the National
and Community Service Trust Act of 1993:
Service-Learning:
- Is a method whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of communities
- Is coordinated with an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or community service program and the community
- Helps foster civic responsibility
- Is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students, or the education components of the community service program in which the participants are enrolled
- And provides structured time for students or participants to reflect on the service experience
What Does Service-Learning Look Like?
In colleges and schools, service-learning is part of the academic curriculum. In
community organizations, youth develop practical skills, self-esteem, and a
sense of civic responsibility. Examples of service-learning projects include:
preserving native plants, designing neighborhood playgrounds, teaching younger
children to read, testing the local water quality, creating wheelchair ramps,
preparing food for the homeless, developing urban community gardens, starting
school recycling programs, and much more.
Why is Service-Learning Important?
A national study of Learn and Serve America programs suggests that effective
service-learning programs improve academic grades, increase attendance in
school, and develop personal and social responsibility. Whether the goal is
academic improvement, personal development, or both, students learn critical
thinking, communication, teamwork, civic responsibility, mathematical reasoning,
problem solving, public speaking, vocational skills, computer skills, scientific
method, research skills, and analysis.
