Service learning, a form of civic engagement, is defined as a credit-bearing educational experience that involves students participating in organized service activities that meet identified community needs, then reflecting on the service to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.y.
It is experiential education.
Learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection. Service Learning improves students' depth in a field of knowledge, and improves self-directed lifelong learning.
It is faith and mission in action.
Participants in service learning make connections to the Mission of the University as it seeks to promote justice in the world. They care for the Common Good, promote Spiritual Growth, find common humanity in diversity through personal connections, promote the preferential option for the poor, live Catholic Social Teaching, and develop values.
It is citizenship development.
● Requires reflection on issues that concern the community
● Promotes a commitment to improve conditions in the world
● Seeks to increase Community/Political engagement
● Desires Reciprocity
● Develops Leadership
It promotes ethical and moral development.
“Judging the quality of a college education by asking if students see the connection between what they learn and how they live, looking for the deeper significance, for the moral dilemmas of and the ethical responses. The college succeeds if it’s graduates are inspired by a larger vision, using the knowledge that have acquired to form values and advance the common good.” (Boyer, page 296)