What is Service-Learning?

Service-Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates addressing community needs with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experiences, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.  Service-learning seeks to create students who are active, committed, and informed citizen leaders in their communities.

Service-Learning is different from volunteering and internships in three main ways says Rich Harris:

1. Reciprocity- In a volunteering relationship, the recipient of the service is the main beneficiary.  In internships, the student is the main beneficiary of the relationship.  However, in service-learning, both the student and the recipient benefit equally.
2. Balance- In volunteering, the focus is on serving.  In internships, the focus is on learning.  In service-learning, equal value is placed on both activites.
3. Reflection- In service-learning, students reflect on their experiences frequently throughout their term of service.  This type of reflection leads to the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content.

 (www.servicelearning.org)