Service Learning - What is Service Learning? - Center for Teaching and Learning

Service Learning at the Center for Teaching and Learning

What is Service Learning?

Service Learning is gaining acceptance in community colleges and in universities across America as a valuable learning methodology. In the academic area, Service Learning is defined by the American Association of Community Colleges as, “the combination of community service and classroom instruction, with a focus on critical reflective thinking, as well as personal and civic responsibility.” Service Learning focuses on what a student can learn while the learner serves, as well as making a difference in one's community. The interconnectedness of Academic Service Learning can be seen through the presence of the following necessary criteria:

Relevant and meaningful service – there must be service provided in the community that is both relevant and meaningful to all stakeholders: the community, the student, and the college.
Enhanced academic learning – the addition of relevant and meaningful service must also enhance student academic learning.
Purposeful civic learning – the addition of relevant and meaningful service with the community must not only serve community needs and enhance student academic learning, but it also must directly and intentionally prepare students for active civic participation in a diverse democratic society.

Service Learning can take many forms:

Discipline-based, as part of a course
Problem-based, that may span two or more courses
Capstone course
Community-based action research
Internships

Sites for Service Learning may include various governmental and community-based programs or centers that service the community. Example are hospitals, mental health organizations, centers for the elderly, boys and girls clubs, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, and community shelters.

New! Montgomery College Service Learning Video

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	What is Service Learning? Service Learning is gaining acceptance in community colleges and in universities across America as a valuable learning methodology. In the academic area, Service Learning is defined by the American Association of Community Colleges as, “the combination of community service and classroom instruction, with a focus on critical reflective thinking, as well as personal and civic responsibility.” Service Learning focuses on what a student can learn while the learner serves, as well as making a difference in one's community. The interconnectedness of Academic Service Learning can be seen through the presence of the following necessary criteria: Relevant and meaningful service – there must be service provided in the community that is both relevant and meaningful to all stakeholders: the community, the student, and the college. Enhanced academic learning – the addition of relevant and meaningful service must also enhance student academic learning. Purposeful civic learning – the addition of relevant and meaningful service with the community must not only serve community needs and enhance student academic learning, but it also must directly and intentionally prepare students for active civic participation in a diverse democratic society. Service Learning can take many forms: Discipline-based, as part of a course Problem-based, that may span two or more courses Capstone course Community-based action research Internships Sites for Service Learning may include various governmental and community-based programs or centers that service the community. Example are hospitals, mental health organizations, centers for the elderly, boys and girls clubs, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, and community shelters.
New! *Montgomery College Service Learning Video* To view the video, click on your connection speed: Broadband Dial-Up To view the video, you will need Windows Media Player.

Service Learning What is Service Learning? \| Fellowships \| Faculty Projects \| Books & Links The Center for Teaching and Learning Home \| Overview \| Staff \| Contact Us