What is Service Learning?

Service learning is a credit-bearing, faculty-directed, teaching-learning experience that is course specific. Service Learning 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.

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How does it differ from regular course and volunteering?

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