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An Introduction to Service Learning

What Is Service Learning? The service learning instructional methodology integrates community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community. Service learning is related to but does not include cooperative education, practicum, or internship programs. Venn Diagram	from: Community Colleges and Service Learning: A How-To Booklet by Gail Robinson and Lynn Barnett
Some Service Learning Activities: Math students tutor third-graders in arithmetic. English students assist in an adult literacy program. Sociology students educate their peers on HIV/AIDS prevention. Nursing students provide home health care to the elderly or disabled. Chemistry students and senior citizens educate elementary school students on proper disposal of household hazardous waste. Criminal justice students walk downtown streets in a community policing program. Accounting students help senior citizens with tax returns.
Principles of Good Practice for Combining Service and Learning An effective program engages people in responsible and challenging actions for the common good. An effective program provides structured opportunities for people to reflect critically on their service experience. An effective program articulates clear service and learning goals for everyone involved. An effective program allows for those with needs to define those needs. An effective program clarifies the responsibilities of each person and organization involved. An effective program matches service providers and service needs through a process that recognizes changing circumstances. An effective program expects genuine, active, and sustained organizational commitment. An effective program includes training, supervision, monitoring, support, recognition, and evaluation to meet service and learning goals. An effective program insures that the time commitment for service and learning is flexible, appropriate, and in the best interests of all involved. An effective program is committed to program participation by and with diverse populations.
University of Redlands The University of Texas at Dallas California State University Monterey Bay Service Learning Institute (look for Cesar Chavez lessons, activities, and units) The Nebraska Consortium for Service Learning in Higher Education Extensive College Service Learning Manual - Bloomsburg University Faculty Survey Wesleyan University Indiana department of Education	University Service Learning Programs
Social Capital and Service Learning Citizenship Service Learning: Becoming Citizens By Assisting Immigrants The Impact of Service Learning on Democratic and Civic Values What Should Be Learned through Service Learning? Integrating Reflection on Ethical Issues To Promote Civic Responsibility Service Learning in Political Science: An Introduction.(Brief Article) Service Learning In College Political Science	Articles On Service Learning
Creating Sustainable Service Learning Programs Community Colleges Broadening Horizons Through Service Learning 1997 - 2000 Best Practices in Service Learning The Service Learning Journal: Writing to Learn	Service Learning Guidebooks
Institutionalizing Service Learning In Community Colleges Community Colleges Broadening Horizons through Service Learning 2000 - 2003 Community Colleges and Service Learning - A How-To Guide Service Learning and Community Colleges: Where We Are Service Learning and Curricular Integration	Community Colleges And Service Learning
Famous Service Learners and Teachers
THE BIG DUMMY'S GUIDE TO SERVICE-LEARNING: 27 Simple Answers to Good Questions on: Faculty, Programmatic, Student, Administrative, & Non-Profit Issues
The Wrong Kind Of Service Learning Program