Service-Learning

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What Is Service-Learning?

In essence, Service-Learning is an educational tool that consists of three essential elements:

1. Community service
2. Curriculum connection
3. Reflection (What is reflection?)

There are many definitions of Service-Learning. The following are examples:

"Service-Learning seeks to engage individuals in activities that combine both community service and academic learning. Because Service-Learning programs are typically rooted in formal courses (core academic, elective, or vocational), the service activities are usually based on particular curricular concepts that are being taught" (Furco, 2002, p. 25).

"Service-Learning [is] a credit-bearing, educational, experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility" (Bringle & Hatcher, 1996).

The term 'Service-Learning' means a method--

(A) under which students or participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that--

1. is conducted in and meets the needs of a community;
2. is coordinated with an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or
   community service program, and with the community; and
3. helps foster civic responsibility; and

(B) that--

1. is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students, or the educational components of the community service program in which the participants are enrolled; and
2. provides structured time for the students or participants to reflect on the service experience

(National and Community Service Trust Act of 1990) .

Resources for Higher Education from the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse

Various Service-Learning Models include required/optional and civic, problem-based, consulting, and community-based action research.

Are there any risks?

Basic Risk Management Guidelines

References

Bringle, R. G. & Hatcher, J. A. (1996). Implementing Service-Learning in higher education.  Journal of Higher Education. 67(2). (pp. 221-239). retrieved from http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-1546%28199603%2F04%2967%3A2%3C221%3AISLIHE%3E2.0.CO%3B2-O Dec. 19, 2005.

Furco, A. (2002). Is Service-Learning really better than community service? In A. Furco & S. H. Billig (Eds.) Service-learning: The essence of pedagogy (p. 25). Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.

National and Community Service Trust Act of 1990 (as amended through P.L. 106-170, approved 12-17-99). retrieved from http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/role_impact/history.asp Dec 19, 2005.