About Service Learning

  Service Learning is experiential learning that offers students opportunities for an application of their education in service to the community. The experience enhances their appreciation, understanding, and respect for others. Service learning activities may be incorporated into any existing course. The common thread in all service learning definitions is service and reflection connected to academic coursework.

     Many students engage in activities which serve their communities through volunteer work, as interns and as employees. Although these activities provide service, they do not necessarily qualify as service-learning activities. To qualify as service learning, these activities must also challenge students to apply their academic knowledge and skills to meet community needs, and to reflect upon and integrate  their community experience to    their course work.

Service Learning - The Benefits !

· Faculty are able to demonstrably show how their academic field has a real-world connection.

· Students will be able to apply what is learned in the classroom to real-life experiences, thus making  the course  more meaningful and interesting.

· Students will be providing a needed service to the community while also expanding their academic    knowledge and skills.

· Students will be making a difference in the community and will find an increased connection to the     community.  

· Students will be able to explore a variety of career paths.

· Student may enhance their scholorship and   job opportunities.

Service Learning Guidelines

· Service activity is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum.

· Service activity includes structured reflection on the service experience. The reflection may take many forms.

· Student reflection is used to enhance learning.  Students are able to reflect critically on their          experience as well as reinforce course content. Faculty select appropriate forms of reflection which may include journals, portfolios, or integrated papers.

· Students provide a needed service to the community which challenges them to apply their academic knowledge and skills to individuals, organizations, schools, or other entities in the community.

· Service learning is conducted through volunteer activities.

· Service-learning experiences are typically conducted with non-profit or governmental organizations.