What is Service Learning?

Service Learning is a form of experiential learning and teaching that achieves course objectives while meeting an identified community need.

Experiential Learning is a hands-on form of learning by actually “doing something”.

Service Learning includes time spent in reflection, reciprocity, and class discussion.

Service Learning is intended to be very interactive.  Students will be asked to accept more responsibility and to become effective thinkers and problem solvers.  

Service Learning is an integral part of the academic course that they are taking. Students are required to step outside the “academic walls” of sitting in class listening to lectures.  Students become actively involved in their learning process.  

I CARE

Identify your community partner

Collaborate with others

Act - carry out your activity/project

Reflect - on all aspects of the activity/project

Evaluate - how did it go/what changes would/should be made/share activity/project with others. Celebrate!

PARTICIPANT

BENEFIT

Students

Encourages students to become more involved in their own education beyond reading a book, attending a class, and taking a test.

Increases students’ awareness of their biases, prejudices, and stereotypes toward others.

It provides hands-on practical experience at an off-campus setting that introduces students to a new environment to learn new skills and meet new people.

It provides an excellent resume-builder and networking opportunity for career development and job-hunting.

It provides opportunities to learn “real world Manner”

Principles of Service Learning

Communication and Problem Solving Skills

Students must develop the ability to read, write, speak and listen effectively.  They must also use information resources and technology to be successful.

Critical Thinking

Students must develop the ability to analyze information and ideas carefully and logically from multiple perspectives.

Integration and Application of Knowledge

Students must develop the ability to utilize information and concepts gained from studies in multiple disciplines at school, work and home. 

Intellectual Depth, Breadth and Adaptiveness

Students must show a thorough understanding of at least one field of study and must be able to compare the methods used in their field to the methods used in other fields.

Understanding Society and Culture

Students should recognize their own cultural traditions while gaining a broader knowledge and understanding of other cultures.  

Values and Ethics

Values and ethics play a critical choices students make in life. Students should develop a sense of values and ethics to be able to make informed choices.  

Assessment

Service Learning is intended to be interactive.

Students will accept responsibility and become effective thinkers and problem solvers.

Much of the assessment is qualitative.

Students are asked to reflect on their experiences. 

Pre and Post assessments will be conducted.