What is service-learning?
Service-Learning is defined as a curricular strategy whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of the community. It is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students while fostering their civic responsibility. It is important to note that Service- Learning includes community service, but that service is deliberately integrated with learning objectives.
Service-learning is a method and philosophy of experiential education through which participants meet community needs while developing their abilities for critical thinking and group problem-solving, their commitments and values, and the skills they need for effective citizenship. All forms of service learning are included in the all-encompassing category of experiential education.
Goals of service-learning?
Service-learning combines service to the community with student learning in a way that improves both the student and the community. As they participate in their community service projects, actively meeting the needs of communities, students develop practical skills, and a sense of civic responsibility.
- Service-learning is a method of teaching through which students apply their academic skills and knowledge to address real-life needs in their own communities.
- Service-learning provides a compelling reason to learn, teaches the skills of civic participation and develops an ethic of service and civic responsibility.
- Service-learning increases motivation and retention of academic skills as specific learning goals are tied to community needs.
- By solving real problems and addressing real needs, students learn to apply classroom learning to a real world context. At the same time, students provide valuable services to schools and communities.
Academic service-learning helps us achieve academic goals by enabling students to make connections between their course work and the real world as they apply their knowledge and skills to real world situations.
Service-learning also helps us achieve citizenship goals as students appreciate the importance of individual commitments of time and energy to enhance the quality of life in their own communities.
In addition to academic and citizenship goals, students develop leadership and interpersonal skills through their participation in service-learning projects. These experiences will enhance the self-esteem of students, making them more self-confident.
Finally, service-learning projects offer valuable opportunities for career exploration and enables them acquire career related experiences as they complete their course of study.
