Course Design
Service-Learning differs from volunteerism, community service, internships, and field education through the emphasis on students' civic development, use of ongoing, structured reflection and an emphasis on sustained, reciprocal partnerships between faculty and community partners. Service-learning activities should not be described as "volunteering."
Basic Elements of a Service-Learning Experience
- Learning outcomes are realized through service. Service activities are a means of addressing or meeting learning goals. Learn more...
- Service is meaningful. The service provided is determined jointly by the community partner and faculty, who work together to decide which student skills and knowledge will be applied to community-identified needs. The instructor does not decide for the community partner what service will be provided. Learn more...
- The partnership is reciprocal. Students receive as much as they give. Students learn something significant and appropriate to the academic content of the course from the experience. Learn more...
- Reflective assignments are integral to course design. Reflection exercises occur before, during, and upon conclusion of the service experience. Reflection clarifies the relationship between the service and course concepts, encourages examination of students' growth as citizens, and relates the course to issues of social justice. Learn more...
