What is Academic Service-Learning?

Academic service-learning is more than a volunteer activity; it integrates community service with instruction and reflection. It is designed to enrich the learning experience through hands-on activity and to teach civic responsibility. Academic service-learning requires students to apply what they learn in the classroom and to reflect on their experiences by thinking, discussing, and writing about them. It teaches students how to apply academic knowledge to real-life civic issues, promotes teamwork and collaborative problem-solving, develops life skills and makes learning more personally meaningful.

"The great difficulty in education is to get experience out of ideas." — George Santayana

Academic Service-Learning...

Is a teaching strategy in which learning is achieved through service while applying curriculum taught in class
Takes learning to the world beyond the classroom and enhances education by engaging students in service.
Allows structured time for thoughtful planning of service experience and guided reflection
Allows students to address social issues and make academic connections first-hand
Involves students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community

Distinguishing Characteristics of Some Common Student Community-Based Experiences
	Community Service	Enhanced Academic Learning	Purposeful Civic Learning
Volunteering or Community Service	Yes	No	No
Co-Curricular Service Learning	Yes	No	Yes
Academic Service-Learning	Yes	Yes	Yes
Internship	Yes*	Yes	No
*Not all internships involve service in the community.

From Three Necessary Criteria for Academic Service-Learning, by Jeffrey Howard, 2001, Michigan Journal of Community Service-Learning: Service-Learning Course Design Workbook, Companion Volume, p.13.

Academic Service-Learning Brochure

What is Academic Service-Learning?

Academic Service-Learning...

Distinguishing Characteristics of Some Common Student Community-Based Experiences

Distinguishing Characteristics of Some
Common Student Community-Based Experiences