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.”
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”
Adapted from the Institute for Learning and Teaching. (2007). CSU Service-Learning Faculty Manual, Fourth Edition. Colorado State University.