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Service Learning: Benefits

Library and information resources about Service Learning

The Service Learning Cycle

Graphic with gears arrows clocks books--representing learning process

          The graphic above perfectly represents service learning as synergy--a combination of components that are more powerful when combined together than individually.   Service learning builds upon the knowledge that the student has learned in their courses and allows them to put their knowledge into practice by learning about and helping their community.  That experience then circles back and could help students succeed in other courses because they have applied their knowledge and broadened their horizons.         

Service learning courses can be broken down into:

  1. one or more academic learning outcomes enhanced by the service
  2. one of more civic learning outcomes enhanced by the service
  3. collaborative design of a service project or experience by the instructor and one or more community partners that advances the learning outcomes while meeting a community partner's identified need
  4. structured reflection on the part of the student in light of intended academic and civic learning outcomes

Service Learning Benefits the Students

 

drawing of 4 students surrounding a student using a computer

For Students:

  • Enhances academic learning by connecting course content to real-world experience

  • Prompts self-reflection on the student’s role as a citizen, scholar, or professional

  • Stimulates increased awareness of frameworks including diversity and sustainability

  • Fosters practical skills such as public speaking, collaboration, and problem solving

  • Increases opportunities for mentorship by faculty  Increases sense of connectedness to the university and local community

Service Learning Benefits the College

For Faculty:

  • Increases student engagement and fosters increased interaction with students
  • Creates new avenues for community-based research and scholarly work 
  • Increases opportunities for professional recognition and reward
  • Connects teaching to research and service functions
  • Connects faculty across disciplines

For Colleges and Universities:

  • Improves student satisfaction, persistence, and retention
  • Enhances opportunities for student and faculty recruitment
  • Enhances opportunities for community, legislative, and alumni relations
  • Increases opportunities for grants, contracts, and donations
  • Creates opportunities to showcase student and faculty achievements

Service Learning Benefits the Community

For Community Partners:

  • Connects community partners to university resources and opportunities
  • Educates students about community issues and engages faculty expertise
  • Creates opportunities for ideas and work products to support the partner
  • Promotes the work of the organization and increases opportunities for ongoing service

 

round green graphic of two white hands reaching out to each other

Subjects: Education