Teaching Resources

Service (and Community-Based) Learning

Tags/Keywords

experiential or active learning	problem-based learning
social responsibility

Overview

Service learning is an experiential activity in which students provide a real service for the community and in the process gain a greater understanding of some concept or application in a course of study, as well as learn the importance of civic participation. Service learning can be a component of any kind of course; some schools make it a requirement for graduation.

"...service learning connects school-based curriculum with the inherent caring and concern young people have for their world--whether on the school campus, at a local food bank, or in a distant rainforest." Kaye, The Complete Guide to Service Learning, Free Spirit Publishing, 2003.

In service learning, or community-based learning programs, field-based "experiential learning"; with community partners is an instructional strategy—and often a required part of the course. The idea is to give students direct experience with issues they are studying in the curriculum and with ongoing efforts to analyze and solve problems in the community. A key element in these programs is the opportunity students have to both apply what they are learning in real-world settings and reflect in a classroom setting on their service experiences. These programs model the idea that giving something back to the community is an important college outcome, and that working with community partners is good preparation for citizenship, work, and life. (Leap Program)

MTSU Resources See workshop calendar, Robert Kronick, Univ of Tenn.

LTITC Resources

From our library--

Chapdelaine, A., Ruiz, A., Warchal, J., & Wells, C. (2005). Service learning code of ethics. Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing.

Cress, C., Collier, P., & Reitenauer, V. (2005). Learning through service: A student guidebook for service-learning across disciplines. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

Kaye, C.B. (2004). The complete guide to service-learning: Proven, practical ways to engage students in civic responsibility, academic curriculum & social action. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.

Zlotkowski, E. (1998). Successful service-learning programs: New models of excellence in higher education. Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing.

Teaching Tip

Online Resources: Tips and Strategies / Associations

Online Publications: Viewpoints, Articles, Books.. .
High-Impact Educational Practices: What They Are, Who Has Access to Them, and Why They Matter, by George D. Kuh (AAC&U, 2008)

Community-Based learning: A Foundation for Meaningful Reform provides good definitions that distinguish community based learning from service learning.