ITROW Service Learning
What is service learning?
Service-learning is a teaching method that integrates knowledge and practice by connecting the service experience to the classroom curriculum. Service learning is always intentionally designed to meet curricular objectives; it is not an end in itself. Reflection is critical to this process.
Experience and learning are not the same. While experience is a necessary condition of learning, it is not sufficient. Learning requires more than experience, and so one cannot assume that student involvement in the community automatically yields learning. Harvesting academic and/or civic learning from a community service experience requires purposeful and intentional efforts. This harvesting process is often referred to as “reflection” in the service-learning literature.
Service learning is:
- A method of teaching that combines community service with curriculum-based learning, linked to academic content and standards.
- About students helping to determine and meet real defined community needs.
- Reciprocal in nature, benefiting both the community and students.
- An effective way to encourage and foster active citizenship as part of a public education.
- An approach to teaching and learning that can be used in any curriculum area as long as it is appropriate to the learning goals.
Academic service-learning is not the same as student community service or co-curricular service learning. Academic service learning makes intentional efforts to engage students in planned and purposeful learning related to the service experiences. Academic service-learning, illustrated by student community service integrated into an academic course, utilizes the service experience as a course “text” for both academic learning and civic learning.
Co-curricular service-learning, illustrated by many alternative spring break programs, is concerned with raising students’ consciousness and familiarity with issues related to various communities.
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