What is Service-Learning?

• 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;
• Helps foster civic responsibility;
• 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;
• And provides structured time for students or participants to reflect on the service experience.

Service-learning is a blending of both service and learning goals in such a way that both occur at the same time and are enriched and supported by one another. Service-learning seems to be one of those rare education models that enable all of the participants to be winners.

Service-learning is not a new idea. John Dewey wrote that actions directed toward the welfare of others stimulate academic and social development. William Kirkpatrick in the 1930s "Project Method" argued that learning should take place in a setting outside of school and involve efforts to meet real community needs. With national legislation passed in the early 1990s, community service and especially community service tied to the existing school curricula began to rise.

In the media we often hear about gangs, drug usage, teenage pregnancies, high drop out rates and the alienation of today's youth. Early involvement in service-learning opportunities teaches young people that they can make a difference in this world. They have talents, capacities, compassion and enthusiasm that are not utilized in most school settings. Students engaged in a service-learning activity can no longer be viewed as passive recipients of education, but must be viewed as competent producers and willing contributors.

Videos Introducing S-L

Bringing Learning to Life: This 8-minute video produced by Learn and Serve, introduces you to the basics of S-L with examples and interviews from around the U.S.

Learning Park: Service-Learning: This 19-minute video, produced by local public television station Twin Cities Public Television, goes into more depth, looking at S-L from both the school and community partner perspectives.