"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 under-
standing of course
content, a
broader appreciation of the
discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.
Unlike volunteer service, Service-learning is a course-
based service experience that produces the best outcomes
when meaningful service activities are related to course
material
through reflection activities such as directed
writings, small
group discussions,and class presentations."
Bringle, Robert
g. and Hatcher, Julie A., Journal of higher Education, Vol. 67, No. 2,
March/April 1996
|
|
Service Learning is a creative
pedagogy that combines
community
service with instruction and learning.
It is a teaching tool that focuses on
critical thinking and problem solving
and brings relevancy to knowledge.
Service Learning extends the bound-
aries of the classroom
into the
community...
It is a teaching tool: a way for
professors to expand the minds of
their students while also promoting
civic responsibility. It is
a chance for students
to experience the practical while studying the theoretical. Service-Learning
is directly linked to course objectives. The service provided by the students
should enhance the learning that occurs in the classroom and through the
readings and course assignments.
Service-Learning is a "Win-Win" relationship. The students benefit from a
practical application of the material being studied and the community benefits
from the services provided by the students. |
 |
Experiential learning and service learning are often times used interchangeably. Internships, coops, field placements, practicum, work study, and service learning are all components of experiential learning. However, the difference between the other methods of experiential learning and service learning is that the primary focus of the other methods of experiential learning is often on the benefit to the student, whereas the focus of service learning is twofold: meaningful service is provided to the community an a relevant learning experience is provided for the student.
In addition, service learning specifically combines service done in the community with the content being studied in a course. Many of the other experimental learning options are an end unto themselves and are no directly linked to a specific course of study.
|
|
