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Service Learning Definition

Service learning is a credit-bearing, faculty-directed, teaching-learning experience that is course specific. It strengthens academic content knowledge and sense of civic responsibility. Students build critical thinking skills as they engage in experiential, community-based activities that are aligned with and integral to academic course work. At the same time, the community (real people in real situations) benefits from assistance that would otherwise not be available.

 

Service Learning Course Criteria

To be designated as a service learning course, a course must meet the following criteria:

  1. Administratively approved through a faculty evaluation process.
  2. Addresses a community (which includes schools, organizations, agencies and companies that comply with the rules of University of Arkansas) need through formal collaborations with program-identified appropriate partners.
  3. Supports attainment of one or more course learning objectives.
  4. Involves structured reflection.
  5. Demonstrates clear and articulated connection between service activity and course content.
  6. Requires five hours of service for every credit hour of course work.
  7. Involves training for students before working with partners.

Additional criteria may be program specific including but not limited to:

  1. Involves formalized partner training.
  2. Involves a signed agreement with a partner.
  3. Requires student liability insurance.
  4. Requires background checks and/or drug and alcohol screenings (varies by agency and academic program).
 

Matrix of Difference | Service Learning vs. community service and internship

How does service learning differ from community service and traditional internship or practicums?

The UofA Service Learning Committee has developed the following matrix to assist faculty, staff and students in distinguishing among service learning, community service and traditional internship/practicum activities.  In order to qualify as true service learning on the University of Arkansas campus, any experience must include the eight characteristics listed in the service learning column below.  

Characteristics Service Learning Community Service Traditional Internship/Practicums
Primary Intended Beneficiary Student and recipient(s) Recipient(s) Student
Primary Focus Providing meaningful service and enhancing  classroom learning Providing meaningful service Learning by doing
Intended Educational Purpose/Benefits Academic learning, enhanced intellectual and civic engagement Moral, personal and social growth and development Career development and professional preparation
Curricular Integrating Full integration within the curriculum None Co-curricular and supplemental
Reflection Includes structured reflections Generally not included May include reflection
Nature of Service Activity Based on course topic or discipline Based on student interest or motivation Based on industry or career
Duration of Activity Semester Agency decision A semester or longer
Time Commitment Minimum 5 service hours per 1 class credit hour Variable Prescribed by program
 

Course Check Sheet and Timeline

Click on this link to download the course check sheet and timeline. This form provides faculty with helpful information for establishing new service learning courses.

 

Course Development

The following resources are available to help in developing a successful service learning course and syllabus.

Campus Compact is a national online platform of knowledge-building tools for faculty, staff, and those in higher education pursuing effective civic and community engagement.  Visit the following Campus Compact resources:

Other Resources:

 

External Resources

Below is a short list of other universities that participate in Service Learning:

Boise State University University of Georgia
Duke University University of Maryland
Indiana University Bloomington University of Michigan
Loyola University of New Orleans University of Minnesota
Michigan State University University of North Carolina at Greensboro
North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tulane University
Northeastern University Virginia Commonwealth University
   Wright State University