Service-Learning benefits students, faculty, the university, and the community.
Student benefits:
- hands-on use of skills and knowledge that increases the relevance of academic concepts
- accommodation of different learning styles
- interaction with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds
- increased sense of self-efficacy, analytical skills, and social development
- valuable career and resume-building experience
- opportunities for meaningful involvement with the local community
- increased civic engagement
“It brings books to life and life to books.”
How service-learning affects students
Faculty benefits:
- more lively class discussions and increased student participation
- greater retention of course material
- a way to make a positive community impact and learn about our local community
- more innovative approaches to active learning and experiential learning
- enhanced opportunities for research and publication
- See benefits of SL Designation
“It changes faculty role from the expert on top to the expert on tap”
Community benefits:
- access to university resources
- positive relationship opportunities with the university
- increased student/public awareness of their organization
- opportunities to contribute to the educational process
- affordable access to professional development
- short- and long-term solutions to pressing community needs
“It shifts from community as laboratory to community as classroom”
Click here for more benefits to agencies.
Adapted from the Institute for Learning and Teaching. (2007). CSU Service-Learning Faculty Manual, Fourth Edition. Colorado State University.