What is Service Learning?
Service-Learning (S-L) is an educational experience where students get involved in an organized service activity that meets community needs.
Through this activity, participants gain a broadening of their academic knowledge, an appreciation of the discipline and a sense of civic responsibility. Service-Learning represents an experiential methodology that combines learning and community service in a single project with a civic and academic base. This activity is also reflected in their academic curriculum.
What S-L projects looks like?
Service-Learning projects bring together students, academics and community stakeholders whereby all become teaching resources, problem solvers and partners. On a rapid view, each S-L experience must fulfil the following criteria:
- integrating significant service and provide response to a real environmental demand,
- a service linked to the academic curriculum of the student,
- students must contribute in a relevant manner and have a strong voice in all steps,
- reflection should be an important part of the learning process, and, last but not least
- community organizations are recognized and valued as fundamental partners.
