Service Learning
Service learning is a teaching method that combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning.
Service-learning takes place in K-12 schools, in higher education classrooms, and in community-based organizations.
Serving. The service itself should address a genuine community need, as determined by existing or student-led
community assessments. The service should be thoughtfully organized to solve, or make a positive contribution toward
solving, a problem.
Linking. In quality service-learning, the service project is designed to meet not only a real community need,
but also classroom goals. By ensuring strong linkages between the service and the learning, students are able to improve
their academic skills and apply what they learn in school to the broader community. Through service-learning, students
demonstrate to teachers what they are learning and how they are meeting specific academic standards.
Learning. Reflection is a key element of quality service-learning. The teacher structures time and methods for
students to reflect on and analyze their service experience. Through this process, students learn and understand the
complexity of community issues. In addition, students understand how to view such issues in their broader social, political
and economic contexts. Reflection and analysis help reinforce the connection between the students' service and the
curriculum content.
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