Service-learning is a type of experiential learning that drives students’ academic interests and passions toward addressing real community needs. Through the process, young people are compelled to answer questions such as:
For example: picking up trash on a river bank (service) + studying water samples under a microscope (learning) = science students collect and analyze water samples, document their results, and present findings to a local pollution control agency (service-learning!)
Service-learning is important as a teaching strategy because it involves young people in engaging learning activities while preparing them to be lifelong members of a democratic society. For service-learning to be successful, teachers must intentionally design it to meet desired outcomes such as academic, civic, and social emotional learning.
Service-learning empowers students to be involved in their own learning, to share their voice, and to care about their community. It is a flexible approach, easily adapted to different age levels, community needs, and curricular goals. Service-learning supports hybrid models of learning including online learning. It helps bridge the gulf between online, in-school, and afterschool learning. Service-learning allows students to address real world issues, inspiring them to Serve. Learn. Change the world.®
To learn more about quality service-learning implementation, check out the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for quality practice, watch this inspiring video, and visit our robust Resource Library.
From compiling responses, we learned that our educators top reasons for using service-learning are to engage, empower, and provide real world experiences for their students. This is the power of service-learning used…
Students want learning to be exciting and fun. Teachers want students to be engaged learners who are motivated and inspired to be in their classroom. Quality service-learning instruction accomplishes both…
The role of the educator in service-learning is vital to the success of the student experience. The outcomes for service-learning are vast: academic, social emotional learning, civic, career readiness…
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