Service Learning—Top Ten
Top ten reasons why Service Learning is so valuable:
- SL increases the relevance of general education classes and theory-based classes. It grounds knowledge in meaningful experiences.
- Boise State University’s Strategic Plan (2001-2005) states that all “should assume responsibility for*participation in civic, social, and environmental awareness activities of the communities in which they live.” (Values and Core Beliefs, p. 9).
- An important part of the mission of public universities is to educate students to be active citizens in a democratic society.
* SL increases understanding of community problems at a “personal, professional, and conceptual level.” (University of Utah Lowell Bennion Center, 1995).
* SL increases understanding of how our world is interconnected (Boyer, 1990).
- SL results in stronger analytical and critical thinking skills and improved communication skills.
- SL offers students structured opportunities to work more closely with faculty, often improving learning and retention.
- SL students note that they gain deeper understanding of issues and feel more confident to use the information they had learned (Eyler and Giles, 1999).
- SL encourages greater student input and responsibility in deciding what and how they will learn (Vernon and Blake, 1993).
- SL often yields personal insight, growth, and values clarification; these are considered important aspects of student development.
- SL provides a way for students to make a difference in their communities* as part of a relevant, credit-bearing class experience.
- Universities try to accommodate changes in student learning styles, preferences, and goals:
* Many students prefer the hands-on, practical methods of active learning, like SL. SL makes every day experiences be the subject matter for learning,
* SL involves the whole person in learning: knowing and doing, emotions and intellect.
* SL taps students’ growing interest in service (as seen in the rise of volunteerism).
* College students today learn well outside the classroom.
* SL opens student’s job contacts and networks and provides students with documented experiences for their resume.
