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What is Service Learning?
The National Campus Compact defines
Service-Learning as:
Service-learning
is a reflective, relational, pedagogy that combines community or public service
with structured opportunities for learning. Service-learning is
premised on experiential education as the foundation for intellectual, moral,
and civic growth. This focus on the synergy of the intellectual, moral,
and civic dimensions of learning distinguishes service-learning from other forms
of experiential education.
According to the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993:
Service-Learning:
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Is a method whereby students learn and develop through active
participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets
the needs of communities Is coordinated with an elementary school, secondary
school, institution of higher education, or community service program and the
community
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Helps foster civic responsibility
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Is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the
students, or the education components of the community service program in
which the participants are enrolled
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And provides structured time for students or participants to reflect on
the service experience
Service
Learning Goals
Developed by Mark Cooper,
Coordinator,
The VAC, Florida International University
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To increase the civic and citizenship
skills of students.
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To develop a richer context for student
learning.
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To enhance student learning by joining
theory with experience and thought with action.
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To fill unmet needs that in the community
through direct service in a meaningful way.
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To assist students to see the relevance
of the academic subject to the real world.
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To enhance the self-esteem and
self-confidence of your students.
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To develop an environment of collegial
participation among students, faculty, and the community.
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To give students the opportunity to do
important and necessary work.
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To assist agencies to better serve their
clients and benefit from the infusion of enthusiastic volunteers.
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To expose students to societal
inadequacies and injustices and empower students to remedy them.
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To provide cross-cultural experiences for
students.
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To better prepare students for their
careers / continuing education.
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To foster a re-affirmation of students'
careers choices.
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To keep them in class and serve as a tool
for retention.
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To give the student greater
responsibility for their learning.
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To help students know how to get things
done!
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To impact local issues and local needs.
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To do something. Anything.
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